CONTESTANTS in this year's glitzy, sequin-filled Strictly Bicester competition are quick-stepping into their final month of rehearsals.

There are 16 couples being put through their paces to learn Latin and ballroom as well as the quick-step.

The live show, which will be staged on March 25 and March 26, is all in aid of raising money for those suffering life-limiting illnesses in and around the town.

Partners will strut their stuff in front of a crowd of family, friends and the public to show what they've learnt and battle it out for the winning spot each night.

Semi-professional dancer Bex Fletcher, who is helping behind the scenes this year, said: "Everyone is doing amazing. We were saying at a recent training session how we feel this group seems to be progressing the quickest out of all the groups over the past six years we have done Strictly Bicester."

The novice dancers have been beavering away to learn two routines and a group dance and will be put to the test in front of a host of judges including television auctioneer Charlie Ross.

Alongside dancing, the couples are also trying to complete the impressive feat of trying to fundraise about £2,500 all together for the community of Bicester.

Event organisers Sue and Bryan Douglas have this year chosen Greenfields Care and Support which works as a not-for-profit organisation to care for people with life-limiting illnesses through complementary therapies.

The organisation was set up by Mrs Fletcher nearly two years ago and most recently has out grown its original base and moved to Wyevale off the A41.

Mrs Fletcher said: "We have relocated to Wyevale who have very kindly given us one of their rooms to use. It is a bigger space and the location is more central to Bicester as we had just outgrown where we were before.

"It is easier for people to get to Wyevale and the key is we have got room to grow and that’s the thing we are in a very positive location, we don’t have to worry about rent and means any money will go straight to our patients."

The group works to support patients, families and carers to overcome stress, anxiety, depression and pain through its drop-in sessions as well as home visits within a 30 mile radius of Bicester.

There are currently about eight therapists and five regular volunteers in the team and Mrs Fletcher hopes to continue growing to offer more services with local hospices in the area.

Mrs Fletcher added: "I am really proud of Greenfields actually and we couldn’t have grown like we have without the people that work for us who give up their time every week.

"Also without the support of local businesses who have sponsored our kit bags."

The drop-in session is held every Tuesday from 10.30am to 3pm for all ages and from 3pm to 4.30pm for people aged 16 to 30. For more details on Greenfield see greenfields-support.co.uk or http://bit.ly/2ln7xL7

Strictly Bicester tickets are also still on sale and the show will run from 7pm on Saturday, March 25, and from 6.30pm on Sunday, March 26.

Tickets are £15 and are selling fast, they can be booked by calling 07811895160 or see http://bit.ly/2lKNAyS