Strictly Sainsbury’s dance date

Sainbury's staff members and Samaritans volunteers who will be taking part in the Strictly Sainsbury's fundraising evening on the 19th February at the Lodge Hotel pictured rehearsing at Energie Fitness Coleraine on Sunday. Included is their choreographer, Gerald McQuilken. INCR5-363PL

The dancers have been working on their fabulous routines for weeks and it’s all for a great cause - supporting Samaritans and all the outstanding work they do for the community.

The Valentine’s themed evening this Thursday will be compered by Mark Crawford and will feature music by Ian Hannah & Cola Cubes.

Gerald McQuilken has been advising the dancers on every aspect of their choreography and there will also be performances by Gillian Ekin, the Sainsbury’s Coleraine manager, Naomi Rea, Adam Goudy, Gillian Brown and Jamie Williams.

So let’s run down the stars of the night...the dancers:

* Claire, who is produce manager in the Coleraine store, has been practising her steps with her two children, Holly and Joel and partner Peter at home. Her partner will be Stefan, a nightshift colleague who is being supported by his partner Megan and son Jake.

* Wendy, who works in Sainsbury’s health and beauty aisl,e has been working on her dance steps at home with husband Steve and three children - her own fan club! Wendy’s dance partner is Andy who works in the fresh foods department and is being encouraged by his manager Nigel and supervisor Graeme to put in a star performance.

* Cindy has been working with Sainsbury’s for over 17 years and is being cheered on by partner Keith and grand-daughter Ruby and her grandsons. She is paired with nightshift manager Roy who has been working away on the routine with the support of his partner Susan.

* Ashley, a supervisor on checkouts, is used to taking control in-store, but for her dance, she’ll have to surrender the lead! Ashley’s partner is Sorely, who works part-time on the checkouts while studying at university.

* Angela has been getting some discreet practice in while serving in the Sainsbury’s café and at home with husband Maurice, so if you are in for a bite to eat you just might get a dance lesson with your fish and chips. Angela’s partner on the night will be George, a volunteer with Coleraine Samaritans.

* Sara is a baker in the Coleraine store - so she should rise to the occasion and with her is bakery supervisor Matthew...together do they have the ingredients to succeed?

* The final couple are Paige, a new staff member who works in the offsales, so everyone’s hoping for a spirited performance. Her dad Philip, who also works in the store, will be there with the family to cheer on Paige and her partner Russell. A supervisor on night shift, Russell will have the support of his soon-to-be-wife Katrina.

Tickets, £10, can be bought at the store’s Customer Service Desk, Jingles, Portrush, and Samaritans, Coleraine.