WINCHESTER-based Florian School of Dance’s sell-out show And The Clock Struck XVII had a cast of more than 330 local children, aged five to 18 years.

There were five performances at The Point in Eastleigh from July 18-20 reaching an audience of 1,600 people.

The show was themed on 12 months of the year and students showed their versatility in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and contemporary dance.

Many ex-students returned to help run the event and principal Annette FitzGerald said it felt more like a family than a school.

Sarah Parr, a member of the audience, said: “I have seen many professional productions which aren't a patch on tonight's show. Amazing choreography, stunning costumes, beautiful dancing - and everyone looked like they were having the best time.”

The school raffle and programme sales were sponsored by local businesses and profits raised more than £2,000 for two local charities, The Teenage & Young Adult Cancer Unit AT Southampton General Hospital and The Love Hearts Appeal at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The two charities are currently supporting Florian families through difficult times.