DANCING on Ice judge Nicky Slater has thrown his support behind a fundraising fashion show by DanceEast.

The Life is a Cabaret event, on October 1, will raise much-needed funds to support the group’s community participation and education work with schools, hospitals and looked after children.

Slater, who will be hosting the night at Jerwood DanceHouse on Ipswich’s Waterfront, said: “I’m thrilled to be involved in such a wonderful event. The work DanceEast does in the community is hugely important and I’m glad to be able to offer my support.”

Shops taking parts include Marianna, Caramel, Coes and Trotter and Dean, as well as the dance house’s very own retail outlet Cake and Catwalk.

Antonio Giovanni Salon will be styling the models’ hair and Sue from Image Beauty Salon will be doing the make-up.

The evening - sponsored by business patrons and long-standing supporters MSC - will also include cabaret performances by London’s Volupt� Lounge and the chance to shop at stalls in the dance house’s Red Shoe Studio.

There will be two opportunities to watch the fashion show - at 7pm and 9pm - which will include performances by DanceEast groups and surprise guests.

Raffle tickets are available now, with dazzling prizes including a house in the Algarve for two weeks, courtesy of the Seven Property Group; an Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard necklace, from Tiffany & Co; and a Givenchy ladies watch from Andrews Jewellers.

DanceEast is encouraging businessmen to get sponsorship for the chance to strut their stuff on the catwalk in a skirt of their choice - be it a Beckham-style sarong, a traditional kilt or something more adventurous!

DanceEast works with looked after children and youngsters, as well as those in hospitals - providing the opportunity to use dance for creative expression and physical and psychological therapy through expert tuition and support.

For several years, its community dance artist has been working in Ipswich and Colchester hospitals on a weekly basis for several years.

At Ipswich Hospital they work closely with the play specialist co-ordinator to work out the best type of approach for each, with sessions taking place either at the child’s bedside, the play room or the hospital school room.

To take part in the skirt challenge or buy tickets, priced �20, for the event contact Maggie Powell at DanceEast on 01473 295230.