Two Norfolk dance teams will be performing on one of the biggest stages of all on Sunday when they take part in the national final of a competition.

Sixteen pupils from Sheringham Primary School and a group from Funky Feet School of Dance in Loddon have fought through the Norfolk and regional heats to reach the event at the 2,000-seat Indigo Rooms at the O2 Arena in London.

The Dance for Life is organised by the British Red Cross, and the Sheringham youngsters have already raised more than �500 in sponsorship for the charity.

They have been working together since Christmas to choreograph and produce a dance that includes the work and spirit of the national charity.

With the support of teachers Fiona Oldershaw and Hayley Oliver, they have worked during lunch breaks and after school.

Having won the Norfolk heat at City of Norwich School in June, they went on to the East Anglia and Lincolnshire finals at Gresham's Prep School on July 9.

Their dance - based on themes including the pain of being child soldiers, bringing supplies and water to flood and earthquake victims, the recovery position and CPR - helped them clinch first place.

Fiona said: 'I am so proud of the achievement of the children. They have worked so hard to develop a dance that incorporates the work of the Red Cross.

'It is lovely to see such enthusiasm and dedication from the children. I know they are really looking forward to taking part in the finals. They will do the region, county, school and themselves proud.'

The school team will be in a junior final, while the Funky Feet team are in a senior final.

They will now take on five other dance groups for the chance to be crowned Dance for Life champions in their respective age categories.

Funky Feet chose the Japan earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent recovery effort as their subject.

Vicky Codling, who runs the dance school, said: 'The children are so excited about performing at the O2, this is such a lovely experience for them. They have all been working so hard for this. I am extremely proud of every one of them.'

Dance for Life is run by the British Red Cross to raise both funds for and awareness of the humanitarian organisation.

? See www.redcross.org.uk.