TOP tap dancers from Largs put their best shoes forward to raise almost £600 for charity in an attempt to break a world record.

Pupils from the Karen Aitchison School of Dancing braved the cold November weather by taking to Gallowgate Square for Tapathon 2023, joining thousands of other dancers across the country in stepping out in unison for the cause.

Almost 30 pupils and adults in Largs performed the dance to the public last month to break the record for the world's largest tap dance - and to raise money for the Children in Need charity.

The previous record of 7,596 dancers was set in 2019, and the numbers from this year are still being counted up to see if a new benchmark has been reached.

Karen said this year's effort - which took place during a brief appearance by the sunshine - had a few more bumps along the road but dancers weren't going to let anything stop them.

She told the News: "We get sent a pre-prepared dance to learn before the day, which the children have loved practising. We do a lot with the ballet classes, so we enjoy doing this for the girls who take part in our tap classes.

"It can be quite nerve-racking as we get these text messages counting us down so we don't miss the start time at 1pm. 

"We were so lucky with the weather, because it meant that people were passing by which helped us raise money for Children In Need.

"However, disaster struck when our player packed up halfway through the dance, so the tap teacher ended up singing it and counting it through to the end of the performance.

"It felt like a true community spirit, because Room and Riviera provided hot chocolates for the children and people watching which was very kind of them."

The dance school, currently based in St Columba's Parish Church in the town, raised £565.87 for the annual BBC appeal.

Karen said she was delighted that the studio was able to take part in the challenge for a fifth year - and that they have every intention of joining in again, and setting yet another record, in 2024.

She added: “It is done all over Britain, with hundreds of dance schools taking part all at the same time, which is a feat in itself, so it was great to play our part.

"I think only a few dance schools in Scotland take part, so hopefully that can change next year.  

"When I saw the challenge five years ago I thought it was a lovely way to showcase tap dancers across the country and as well as raising money for a great cause. 

"When the Tapathon comes again next year we will be sure to sign up! We won't stop until the world record is broken again."

"I just want to say a huge thank you to the children, the parents, my tap teacher Alison, and the people who stopped to watch us and donate any spare money they had.

"It makes a difference and raises money for an incredible cause."