Gosport dance school set to join in national charity tapathon challenge in memory of entertainer Roy Castle

In 1981, Melanie Silverlock, Lianne Smees, Linda Young and Alison Gaterell took part in a tap routine for Record Breakers with Roy Castle.

The quartet will now take part in the National Tapathon on Sunday, along with some of their pupils from Ker Mel School of Dancing, to support the charity to which the late presenter gave his name and last few months of his life - Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

Melanie said: ‘I have such fantastic memories of being on Record Breakers with Roy Castle. It was a freezing cold day in 1981 and schools around the country were taking part.

‘Each school was a different letter and our school, The Sunshine Kiddies, were the second R in the word ‘record’.

‘A helicopter filmed us all from above. It took all day but it was great and we still talk about it now! So, when we saw the National Tapathon advertised, we signed up immediately.’

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is dedicated to supporting everyone affected by lung cancer.

This year is the charity’s 30th anniversary and it wanted to do something special to mark the occasion - with participants learning a tap-inspired routine taught by The Greatest Dancer finalist, Harrison Vaughan, and performing it from home on Sunday.

Paula Chadwick, chief executive, said: ‘Those who remember Roy Castle will recall what an amazing tap dancer he was, so as part of our 30th anniversary, we wanted to create an event that paid tribute to him and that could be done in these strange times, and we came up with the tapathon.

‘It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned pro or have two left feet, anyone can take part.’

For the team at Ker Mel School of Dancing, the tapathon has given the children something to focus on in these difficult times.

Melanie said: ‘We have been running online classes since we went into lockdown, but, as much as the children are loving them, the tapathon gives us all something else to do together as a school and keep them smiling.’

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ker-melschoolofdancing.

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