A Hertfordshire journalist will put on her dancing shoes to raise funds for a hospice for the seriously ill.

Hemel Hempstead Gazette news editor Victoria West is in training in preparation for the Hospice of St Francis’ Strictly Learn Dance Competition next month.

Vicky, who did ballet, tap and modern as a child, said: “I’m really looking forward to learning some new dance moves, having some fun and, most importantly, helping a fantastic cause.”

The competition was previously held at the end of 2010 in front of an audience of 800 and prompted previous competitors to continue to dance long after the grand finale ended.

She will do her training at the Baila-Cusworth Dance School in Hemel where she will learn to waltz and jive with dance partner Michael Carillo,

Vicky and the other competitors will each receive six weeks’ tuition before getting the chance to show off their skills at the grand finale spectacular on Saturday 25 February.

Vicky is also giving weekly training updates in the newspapers about how she is progressing.

She aims to raise £800 for the Berkhamsted based hospice which aims to bring peace, comfort and dignity to patients and families facing the crisis of serious illness.

You can sponsor Vicky at www.justgiving.com/victoriaandmichael