GLITZ and glam will be the order of the evening when a charity dancing contest takes place in Hampshire tonight.

Romsey mum Heather Parsons is expecting to see hundreds of people getting dressed up to the nines when she hosts her annual Southampton Does Strictly evening.

The gala event will see 12 dancers, including the Daily Echo’s Ed Stilliard, showing off their moves in a 90-second routine at the Ageas Hilton.

Dancers from professional schools in the area will be joining them as they help to raise cash for Where There’s A Will.

The charity supports the families of patients who are in the intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital.

In 2002 the hospital miraculously saved Heather’s life after she was struck down with the flesh-eating bug necrotising fasciitis in 2002.

Since then she has raised tens of thousands of pounds and then in 2011 she set up the good cause which has raised more than £30,000 to support other patients and their families so far.

Heather said: “I’m looking forward so much to the night, it’s going to be so great.

“It’s one of our biggest fundraising events and its so much fun.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s given their time and energy to take part.”

Professional dancers from BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing show Anya Garnis and Robin Windsor will be performing a showcase routine on the night and judging the event too.

Alex Knott will also be performing a solo ballet performance before the main event.

Phil Barnett from People’s Strictly contestant Kidz R Us and former contestant from Hampshire Harry Andreou also join the judges panel while author Nigel May is the compere.

The night also sees senior intensive care sister Linda Johnson rewarded for her 38 years of hard work at the life-saving unit before she retires.

Heather said her experience and her “combination of passion and experience” made her “very special”.

The night will see a silent auction take place while there will be a live band afterwards.

Proceeds from the event go towards keeping the charity going to support all those whose loved ones are at death’s door.

Tickets (adults £10, children £5) are still available for an open dress rehearsal today from 2pm.

The event comes just two days after senior Strictly TV just Len Goodman revealed he was leaving the show.

The 72-year-old has led the judging panel since the show started 12 years ago.

He will be joined by fellow judges Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood for his final series, as well as presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Email wtawcharity@gmail.com for tickets.