A HUDDERSFIELD dance group is hoping to tap up some cash for charity by taking part in a non-stop dance event.

All 20 members of Newsome Tap Class will be taking part in the Roy Castle Tapathon on Sunday.

The event is taking place at the North Bridge Leisure Centre in Halifax.

It has been held annually for the past 11 years to raise money for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The foundation was set up in memory of Scholes-born entertainer, who died in 1994 of lung cancer caused by passive smoking during work in smoky pubs and clubs.

Dance schools from around Huddersfield and Halifax take it in turns to tap away for 20 minutes.

Each school is sponsored.

This year will be the second time Newsome Tap Class has taken part. Fifteen dancers took part in January, 2006 - just four months after the class was set up.

It was founded by Ashley Nelson and Janet Austin, who are members of the Waring Green Players at Brighouse.

When Ashley had to learn tap for a part in their production of Stepping Out in 2005 he sought help from Janet, who teaches a tap class in Brighouse.

They decided to launch a class for people who wanted to discover the joys of tap dancing, without the pressure of exams or contests.

Ashley said: "We started it just for fun. We had a lot of people ringing up and about eight joined.

"Some have left, some have stayed and we've got new members. It's really growing."

After the tapathon Newsome Tap Class will be inviting new members to join its ranks.

The class is holding an open evening at Newsome High School on Thursday, February 1.

Ashley said: "When we work towards the tapathon we don't have time to take on new members and teach them basic steps.

"So we thought it would be nice to invite people to come after the tapathon to start from scratch, learning the basics."

Tap shoes will be available for people who do not have any. The classes are open to anyone aged 16 or over.

The class meets at Newsome High School every Thursday, from 7pm to 9pm

* For details about the class or to sponsor the tapathon dancers contact Ashley on 07719 177412.