FUNDRAISERS who twisted and twirled non-stop for 24 hours will have a new dance floor to waltz along on thanks to their day-long rave.

Supporters of Cowley's Ark T Centre set out to dance all day and night to raise cash for a much-needed dance floor refurbishment.

The team at the Crowell Road hub are now celebrating after 248 daring fundraisers joined the jam to help gather more than £1,600.

Ark T Centre director Emmy O’Shaughnessy said: "We thought it was an imaginative way to fundraise for something that is really practical, and important to our organisation and our ability to deliver high-quality arts provisions. The fact that it was 24-hours really grabbed people.

"It's really important that our space looks beautiful, that we have space that is cared for and looks professional.

"We wanted to celebrate that we really believe at the Ark T Centre that dance is for everybody. It's a really powerful way to bring people together."

The centre's 24-hour danceathon was held as part of annual city-wide festival Dancin' Oxford, in partnership with group Oxford Youth Dance, from 1pm on March 3.

Babies boogied on the dance floor and ballrooms dancers glided through the music, while a vintage tea dance saw old-fashioned charm swarm the centre as fundraisers swung their way into the waltz and jive.

Dancers also enjoyed a groovy two-hour set from band Papa Nui and live performances from the city's music maestros before heading to Templars Square Shopping Centre for a flashmob, joined by three police officers swaying in their uniform.

A spectacular finale saw spirited fundraisers celebrating reaching their 24-hour milestone back at the Ark T Centre.

Ms O’Shaughnessy, who has been at the helm of the creative arts project for the past year, said: "It showcased the full spectrum of community life and that's what were really believe in as a charity - that dance and the arts unifies people and helps us to see the similarities we have in each other and not to focus on the differences."

The Oxford resident, who bopped for 19 hours, said the dance floor was in such a 'state of need' visitors would often comment on its appearance.

She said she would feel 'elated' once the floor gets its revamp in the coming months after a decade without an overhaul.

The 31-year-old went on to say Oxford City Council also contributed towards the dance floor refurb, adding: "It will feel so amazing knowing that we actually danced this change into the building.

"Our centre is a beacon of positivity in the community. We believe that creativity has the power to change lives and we are open to all people."