A FLASH mob to promote Bolton Hospice's Midnight Memories Walk hit Victoria Square — with hundreds of surprised shoppers enjoying the dancing display.

More than 20 dancers from the Frances Bleasdale School of Dancing took to the streets in front of Bolton Town Hall on Saturday, performing to tracks including Express Yourself by Labyrinth.

Stunned shoppers crowded around the talented youngsters for the captivating performance, as hospice staff used the opportunity to publicise the annual walk, which will this year be held on Saturday, June 20.

The hospice had called on people to head to Victoria Square for 2.30pm for something special, but had kept the details of the event a closely guarded secret right up until the dancers emerged.

Siobhan McGarel, the hospice's events co-ordinator, said: "The flash mob has been a great way of capturing people's attention, and the youngsters were brilliant.

"At the moment we have got more than 1,000 walkers, which is already more than we had last year, but we are now hoping we can reach 1,500, so we are urging anyone who wants to help us to get involved."

Beth Hooper, one of the dancers who participated in the flashmob, who jointly runs the dance school, which is based off St George's Road and has been running since 1930, said she was delighted to be able to help the hospice.

Beth, aged 25, said: "My Great Aunt and my Grandpa were both looked after by the hospice, so I know what a good cause it is and how much it can help people.

"We were asked to do it and because the hospice has also been a big supported of ours, we were happy to get involved.

"The flash mob only lasted for about five minutes, but we have been rehearsing for it for the past couple of months. We worked hard helping the younger dancers learn the moves, but it is worth it when so many people come and watch."

The walk is now in its ninth year, and raised more than £80,000 for the hospice last year.

Participants are invited to take part in memory of a loved one, as a cancer survivor, as part of a team, to keep fit, or just to help raise money for a worthy cause.

This year the walk starts at 10pm instead of midnight, in a bid to attract more families to take part, and it runs for eight miles starting on Victoria Square, past the hospice on Chorley New Road and back again.

Registration costs £15. For more information, visit bit.ly/1lCT1Zp