January 21, 2007: South Shields dancers raise £1600 to help save lives.

Tynemouth RNLI Lifeboat and the Great North Air Ambulance have each benefited to the tune of £800 after pupils aged from 3 to 83 from the Viv Needham School of Dance held their annual variety show.

Viv Needham, owner of the dance school, said: “Every December our annual performance, held at Brinkburn Community Centre, raises money for two local charities. This year we chose Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat and the Great North Air Ambulance. Everyone who took part really enjoyed themselves, especially as they knew that they were helping good causes.”

Accepting a cheque for £800, Paul Henderson, Tynemouth RNLI volunteer helmsman said: “We really appreciate the efforts and support of the dancers. The money will be used locally to provide vital equipment which will help save lives at sea.”

Picture: Dance pupils Faye Anderson (left), Lauren Kirton (right) and Viv Needham present a cheque for £800 to Tynemouth Lifeboat 2nd Mechanic Dave Thompson (left) and ILB Lead Helmsman Paul Henderson,