A LINE dancing instructor is hoping people will shuffle on down to Brierley Hill next week to pull in the pounds for a charity close to her heart.

Alexis Strong was shocked to discover she had a brain tumour in June 2016, as her symptoms, which included earaches, headaches and blurred vision in her left eye, had previously been dismissed as migraines by doctors.

The diagnosis was made after Alexis, who lives in Halesowen, had tests on her eyes and weeks later, she had surgery at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital to remove it.

But Alexis' relief was short-lived as in January this year, she was told the tumour had returned.

After having CyberKnife treatment, she must now wait until December to see if the highly focused radiotherapy session has worked.

In the meantime, Alexis is determined to raise awareness about brain tumours and the symptoms and has put her dance skills to good use by hosting a fundraising event at Brierley Hill Civic Hall on August 24.

The event, which she has organised with her partner Teresa and step-daughter Sophie, will raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity.

A similar event she hosted at Quarry Bank Conservative Club last year raised £1,500 but she hopes the larger venue she has hired this year will also lead to a bigger total.

"It should be a really good night. We already have 160 attending.

"I just want to encourage people to be vigilant and keep an eye on things. It's really important that if they are having any symptoms similar to what I had to go and get it checked out and to keep on at the doctors."

The fundraising event will run from 5.30pm to 11.30pm and will include workshops by choreographers Sandra Speck, Suzi Beau and Jamie Barnfield, a DJ, a performance from singer Derek Magill Darby, a raffle, tombola and refreshments.

Tickets cost £12.50 for dancers and £6.50 for spectators.

To book call 07412 656076.