A rallying call has gone out for some 100 people to take part in a marathon dancing challenge to help the homeless.

Eastern Daily Press: Taila Wiltshire, 17, who has boosted money-raising for the homeless with her danceathon despite a last-minute hitch.Taila Wiltshire, 17, who has boosted money-raising for the homeless with her danceathon despite a last-minute hitch. (Image: Taila Wiltshire)

Teenager Taila Wiltshire is appealing to local folk in Great Yarmouth to pull on their dancing shoes for the blistering six hour effort on Saturday (February 4).

The 17-year-old sports student at Great Yarmouth College said she was shocked by rising levels of visible homelessness in her home town.

But she said she was also keen to dispel negative attitudes over rough sleepers many of whom were on the streets through no fault of their own.

The event is being staged at Lichfield Community Centre on Saturday 10-4pm.

Refreshments will be provided and the aim is to keep as many people as possible on the dance floor, with 'patrollers' to ensure everyone keeps moving to the music.

And while unbroken boogying will be the order of the day the event is designed for people of all ages with plenty of opportunity to take a break or sit some songs out.

Taila, who lives with her family on Great Yarmouth's seafront, said staging the event tied in with a leadership course she was doing as part of her college work.

Working as a team course members had pushed out posters and were keen to attract as many people as possible.

She said; 'A lot of people who have money take it for granted every day so when you see people in the street struggling it does not seem fair and they should be given a chance. Sometimes it's not their fault. People tar homeless people with the same brush.

'My friend was homeless and he has turned his life around. It is not because they are all on drugs or anything sometimes it's just a case of bad luck.'

Tickets are £12.50 for adults, £6 for under 16s, under fours free.

Money raised will be donated to the Salvation Army who supply care packages with toothbrushes and other day-to-day items among other things.

For anyone who cannot take part there will be a donation point for tins of food, which must have a ring-pull opener.

To take part turn up on the day or call 07772058047.