TV STAR and Barnardo’s ambassador Jamie Laing is calling for disco divas, jive experts and “dad dancers” to bust a move every day for a week to help raise money to support vulnerable children.

Jamie is backing Barnardo’s new Dance Challenge, which will see people dance for 60, 90 or 120 minutes a day for seven days in a bid to raise money to help fund the leading national children’s charity’s vital services.

Jamie said: “Dancing has been proven to help improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety so this challenge is a great opportunity to let off some steam and show off some moves as well as helping Barnardo’s support vulnerable children.

“So whether you are part of a dance school, love to shake your tail feathers at family weddings or just enjoy a boogie round your kitchen, please get involved, you’ll have a great time and the money you raise will make such a difference to children and young people around the UK.”

Participants in the challenge, which runs from October 26 to October 30, can create a fundraising page, log their dancing progress and earn virtual badges each time they log a day of dance.

Barnardo’s will be sharing dance challenges, tutorials and invitations to virtual dance classes throughout the week and is encouraging participants to share their videos showing off their dance skills which will be celebrated on a special “Wall of Fame”.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: "The last few months have been extremely challenging for many families. On top of everything else, events and celebrations have been cancelled or postponed.

“The Barnardo’s Dance Challenge is an opportunity to put your worries aside for a short time every day and have some fun by showing off your dance moves.

“You’ll also be raising vital funds to help Barnardo’s continue supporting vulnerable children and young people across the UK.”

It is free to sign up for the challenge and participants are encouraged to aim to raise £150 in sponsorship. Anyone can join in, although under-18s will need parental permission.

Visit https://www.barnardos.org.uk/events/dance-for-barnardos and use the hashtag #BarnardosDanceChallenge to sign up or for more information.