AMATEUR dancers are already quick-stepping their way to Strictly glory, as they effortlessly shimmied their way through the first rehearsal for Strictly Oxford 2016.

The first rehearsal took place on Sunday with 26 local celebrities turning out to don their dancing shoes and get cha-cha-cha-ing for charity.

Practicing the American Smooth Waltz and the Jive, they paired up with professional dancers from Step by Step dancing school in Headington.

Leading the session, Andrzej Mialkowski turned the music up loud to get everyone in the Strictly mood.

He said about the first rehearsal for this year: "It was absolutely amazing. Everybody worked so hard and it was brilliant."

Also at the rehearsal, Jo Wittich of Step by Step dancing school, said: "Wow what can I say? What a fabulous first rehearsal and so lovely to meet each of the contestants who bought with them bags of energy and enthusiasm.

"It was a hot one and I think everyone probably slept very well afterwards but it was amazing to see such concentration and we certainly have some hidden talent amongst them.

"Strictly Oxford 2016 certainly promises to be a great show with a record number of contestants. Can't wait."

The final of the contest is being held in the New Theatre on April 17 for the fifth year in a row, with the aim of raising funds for specialist Littlemore care home Vale House, which provides support for people with dementia.

Trustee for Vale House Jane Cranston is one of the celebrities taking part this year.

The 64-year-old said: "The first rehearsal was such good fun. I'm feeling my age slightly though!

"The best bit for me was the music. I love it when fun music is put on that actually makes you want to dance. That to me is a real skill. It was fun meeting fellow contestants and the professionals too.

"It was a really good start."

Each Strictly contestant – 12 men and 12 women – will be paired up with a professional dancer during the third week of rehearsals, and will have about eight weeks overall to master two dances, as well as a group freestyle.

Contestants also have to raise a minimum of £1,000 for Vale House.

The event is based on the popular BBC TV show Strictly Come Dancing, which sees UK celebrities paired up with professional dancers in a bid to win the Strictly glitterball.

Visit strictlyoxford.co.uk for information and to buy tickets.

This year's Strictly Oxford contestants 

Women

Hilary Pillin, 51, Healthcare consultant and chair of governors at Wood Green school
Hayley Beer-Gamage, 34, Chief executive of Experience Oxfordshire
Louise Martinez , 39, Director and hairdresser at Electric Hair in Oxford
Ruth Hawkins, 45, Solicitor at Turpin and Miller in Oxford
Cathy Dunbabin, 53, Founder of Opendoorz, Professional Business Networking
Joanna Cooper, 43, IT systems application manager
Megan Archer, 24, Senior Reporter at the Oxford Mail
Rebecca Ponen, 39, Executive PA in Oxford
Rona Bennett, 57, Pilates teacher across Oxfordshire
Jane Cranston, 64, retired and trustee of Vale House
Annabel Daly, 39, Marketing manager in academic publishing in Oxford
Diana Sanders, 59, Psychologist and Mindfulness Teacher
Justyna Szweda, 34, Housekeeper at Vale House

Men 

Colin Deaney, 68, Retired
Christopher Deane, 43, Nurse
Dan Bond, 25, Head of performance and analysis Oxford United 
Edward Moss, 34, wildlife biologist 
Michael Crofton-Briggs, 59, Planning consultant and chartered town planner
Richard Bradley, 54, Managing director of Lion Television in Oxford
Sam Payne, 29, Behaviour support professional
Andy Lake, 52, Chef at Vale House in Littlemore
Johno Harris, 49 , Business development director
Callum Rumble, 36, General manager at the Jam Factory
Andrew Barber, 40, works at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford
Daniel Bradford, 38, Financial analyst
John Mayo, 60, self-employed IT professional