Brave members of the public put on their dancing boots and shimmied in the city centre to help raise money for the Lord Mayor of Bradford’s appeal.

The first Dance Extravaganza was held in Centenary Square on Saturday afternoon, and allowed people to step up and dance in front of complete strangers.

Despite the prospect being a nightmare for many people, more than a hundred people of all ages stepped up and took part, with many more watching.

Organised by Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure, Lord Mayor Councillor Khadim Hussain’s charity for the year, the event raised more than £600 – despite the cold and later rainy weather threatening to put people off.

But the dancers proved to be “die hard” and as well as line dances to songs like Achy Breaky Heart there were also belly dance performances from the Hareer Belly Dancers and a rock and roll disco.

Passers by were encouraged to join in with the fun over the course of the day.

Coun Hussain said: “It was an excellent contribution to the Mayor’s charity.

“Unfortunately the weather was a bit cold, but everyone did well and you could see their passion and enthusiasm for it.

“It was a very entertaining way to raise money and every bit of money will help. I’m very grateful to them for it.”

He said he hoped the event would go on to become an annual fundraiser.

Hillary White, of the charity, said: “We’ll have a think about what we will do next year, maybe we’ll hold it in the summer next time. The line dancers were die hard today! They all loved it.”