DANCERS of all ages and abilities came together for five hours of continuous grooving to raise money for a mental health charity.

This Girl Can ambassador and clubbercise instructor Lucy Taylor organised the Happy Factory - a special dance party raising funds for Mid and North East Essex Mind, based in Colchester.

The event was held at Leisure World Highwoods and there were special performances from a number of dance groups.

Close to £1,000 was raised for the charity.

Lucy Taylor said: “Mind is a charity close to my heart and having left a career to teach more fitness classes following the unexpected loss of my mum three years ago, it became my ambition to do something that made people happy.

“I have been a This Girl Can ambassador for over two years, promoting an active lifestyle via different activities to motivate and inspire others to fall in love with being fit, mentally and physically.

“The benefits of exercise on mental health are phenomenal, the more we can spread happiness to others, helping them overcome those bad days, the better.”

She thanked everyone for their support, adding: “I cannot thank enough the amazing team who volunteered their time, alongside DJ Marky B, all the presenters, wellness coaches, stall holders, cake makers and raffle donors.”