Around 50 pupils from Sugar Kane’s School of Dance took part in a sponsored dance to raise money for 11-year-old Shannon Danby, of Croft Street, Upton.

The girls, aged between three and 19, danced for periods of one, two and three hours depending on their ages.

Shannon, who has just left Upton Primary School, was diagnosed with leukaemia in May.

She has just finished her third round of chemotherapy and returned home last Wednesday.

Her parents, Pam and Eric Danby, will use the money to buy Shannon something to cheer her up.

Mrs Danby said: “Shannon is really glad to be home but she is still being sick all the time.

“She is supposed to be moving up to Minsthorpe College in September but I don’t think she will be starting with the rest of her class as she has to have a fourth bout of chemotherapy. She is a bit upset she won’t get to start with her friends.

“I would like to thank the dancers for the fundraising. A lot of other people have been raising money as well, so I’m grateful for that.”

Claire Kane, who runs the dance school, said: “I would like to congratulate all the children who took part. I am really proud of them and they should be really pleased with themselves for doing something so kind and selfless within the community.”

She added that they were not sure how much money was raised altogether but most children have raised more than £30 each.

Mrs Kane said: “I would like to say thank you to my mum Carole Caulton and Donna Price for making sure the children were hydrated and energised on the day and to my mum and dad, Phil Caulton, for donating the refreshments and snacks.”