PICTURES: Family fun day held by Strictly Inverness dancers

A FAMILY fun day has been held in aid of the Strictly Inverness fundraising campaign.

Colourful characters greeted children who got to enjoy a wild day of entertainment at Raigmore Community Centre.

Face-painting antics, balloons, sweet treats, hair-styling and even a bouncy castle were on offer.

The centre also witnessed some star-studded appearances including Buzz Lightyear and Woody of the Toy Story franchise.

And popping up to provide a buzz was Highland Hospice’s very own Bobby the Bee. The hospice and Inverness Ice Centre benefit from the donations raised by the annual dance contest’s competitors – including Dean Bell and Mhairi Fraser, who organised this event.

Mhairi (41) lost a close friend in recent years and that was her reason for taking part in this year’s competition.

Dean (39) sadly lost his mum and dad in recent years and was inspired to take part after seeing a social media post about the event.

He said: “I think we must have had about 200 people. We were overwhelmed with the support. We hoped to raise about £500 but I think it’s about £1000 now so we’re over the moon.

“Our training is going really well. We’ve added in an extra session and we’re enjoying it and having lots of fun.”

Inverness Ice Centre will host stage the event with all 15 couples set to compete from May 10-13.

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