THE annual Halton danceathon has returned raising thousands of pounds to help the team at North West Cancer Research in their fight to beat cancer.

One Small Step brings together dance and performance schools from across the north west.

So far more than £6,000 has been raised.

The event first began in 2001 as a single show at The Queens Hall in Widnes, but has now expanded into an annual dancing festival to raise money for cancer research.

It has since raised almost £40,000 for the charity.

Graeme Scragg, who organises the event, was inspired after a relative was diagnosed with cervical cancer. 

He said: "In the first couple of years my Auntie Kath helped to sell tickets and take money on the door at my early charity events. 

"Now every event is a tribute to her memory.

“One Small Step has grown into a huge event that involves people from a variety of dance and performance schools. 

"It just keeps on getting bigger and we now raise thousands of pounds for cancer research.  

"We’ve raised between £35,000 and £40,000 from One Small Step alone and that is thanks to ticket sales and generous donations from people digging deep for our end of show bucket collections”

One Small Step has now transformed into a four-day dance festival at The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn featuring up to 16 dance schools and performance groups.

Bobby Magee, fundraising manager at North West Cancer Research said: “The response to One Small Step has been incredible. 

"The money which Graeme has helped to raise through these events over the last 17 years has made a huge impact on the lifesaving research North West Cancer Research funds.

Next year’s One Small Step is planned to take place at The Brindley from Wednesday, May, 31, to Saturday, June 3. 

Ticket information should be confirmed before Christmas. 

Visit thebrindley.org.uk.