Twinkle-toed Sgt Iain Simons is Dartmouth's 'strictly' champ after he and his wife Fiona quick-stepped their way to victory in fundraising dance contest.

Iain and Fiona practiced their dance moves for a week in front of the TV – watching episodes of the popular Strictly Come Dancing show.

Then they showed off what they had learned for the Strictly Come Dancing-style competition in aid of Dart Music Festival.

The competition went ahead in the Guildhall ballroom in front of an audience of more than 140 people.

At the end of the evening Iain and Fiona clocked up the highest score on the clapometer – winning them a prized glitter ball for coming first.

Iain, who last had a ballroom dancing lesson when he was just 10 years old, said he and Fiona had been expecting to do a cha cha but when they hit the floor they found the band was playing a quick step so they followed the music.

'We watched Strictly Come Dancing and then we cleared the lounge and practiced in front of the TV. We kept re-winding and playing and then re-winding,' he said.

'It was very nerve wracking actually. I think everyone was nervous before they did their dance.

'It was great fun and a really good evening and we were pleased to support the music festival.'

A total of six couples took part in the dancing fundraiser compered by festival committee member Nick Crosley.

The second place spot went to Ronnie Barnard of Gifts for Gentleman who was partnered by Susan James in a cha cha.

The other couples were naval college training commander Jeff Short and Carol Rampling with a tango; Elaine and Andrew Guage with a quick step; Mayor Paul Allen and Di Lyon with a waltz; and festival chairman Pam Brackenburg and doctor husband Phil doing the jive.

The organisers are still waiting to see how much they have raised from the evening to help stage next year's popular music extravanganza.

A festival spokesman: 'This was a truly enjoyable evening in the fabulously decorated ballroom filled with an appreciative audience turned out in their finery.'