TEACHERS once again donned sequins, feathers and dancing shoes for the second Hove Park Does Strictly, now one of the school’s most popular annual events.

Following the format of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing hit television show, eight nervous couples tangoed, waltzed and fox-trotted around the school hall as their steps were scrutinised by a judging panel, which included teacher Cassey Gaywood, a former professional dancer.

This year students were especially looking forward to seeing soon-to-depart deputy head Liza Leung, who danced a mean salsa with her teacher husband Graham Ball in her last hurrah for Hove Park after 20 years of service.

The winning duo of the competition was the other husband and wife team to take part, Ellie and Pete O’Donnell, who danced a “steamy” tango to a Moulin Rouge medley. Their fantastic score of 9 – 9 – 10 - 10 came with a string of enthusiastic comments and praise from the judges. “Perfection!” said Miss Gaywood.

“The atmosphere was amazing“ said winner Ellie. “We were nervous because it was a very technical dance but there is great camaraderie between the dancers and the kids are really rooting for you, which gives you the confidence to do it.”

The £200 raised by the event’s ticket sales went to the winning couple’s chosen charity, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, who supported their family when Pete’s father was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. “They were fantastic in making sure he had everything he needed and was able to go home to spend time with his family at the end,” said Ellie.

The school’s event proved to be a success and the good news continues with Sussex’s very own Katie Derham making it through to the Strictly final on Saturday with her partner Anton Du Beke despite being bottom of the leaderboard.