WE have passed the half way point for our 10 ‘dancers’ who will be jiving, gliding and shimmying their way across the dancefloor as Warrington’s own glittering showdown gives Strictly Come Dancing a run for its money.

Four hundred guests will descend on Mere Golf Resort and Spa for the third Strictly St Rocco’s charity fundraiser on December 13.

As the day of dancing draws closer, we are taking a peek behind the training room doors and finding out how the contestants are feeling ahead of the sell-out night.

Name: Paul Cockcroft

Age: 44

Lives: Nantwich

Where did you grow up? Whitehaven and Leeds

Day job: Performance coordinator at Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station

Reasons for taking part in Strictly St Rocco's: I was volunteered! I organise groups of volunteers from work to support Rocco events, so this is my chance to add a bit of a personal touch.

What’s your connection to St. Rocco’s? Part of my role involves supporting charities, groups and organisations in the local community and I have worked a lot with St Rocco’s. The people and the place are fantastic so I am (reluctantly) happy to put myself out there!

Secret fan of Strictly Come Dancing? No, not at all.

Partnered with: Jude Goodier who is a senior dance teacher specialising in disco, hip-hip, freestyle, ballroom and Latin American.

She is an established teacher with more than 20 years experience and choreographed for film and TV

Strictly dance: Samba – I'm happy to have a go at any dance as I am a complete novice with them all.

Do you enjoy dancing? What’s your experience been like so far? Do I enjoy dancing – ask my two children! It wouldn’t be high on my list of things to do, but all that is set to change!

Fundraising target: I have set a target of £500, but would like to exceed that and try and get some matched funding.

Are you looking forward to the night: Ask me the day before…

What’s your biggest fear about the event? Having a complete blank on the moves just before the music starts.

Training so far: It is difficult to explain the feeling and nerves going into that first session. As a very non dancer, I was relieved how patient Jude Goodier was and that I connected with her style of teaching.

That doesn’t mean that it came naturally by any means!

I couldn’t believe how hard I found some of the basic initial steps, and just when I seemed to grasp them, they got lost somewhere between my brain and my feet!

With having a daughter who is a dancer, I was under no illusions that I could have a few lessons then dance like I was in the cast of Fame, but I didn’t expect it to be this difficult.

Who will be supporting you on the night? My wife and two children, my mum and dad and my mother-in-law will be there.

How to sponsor you? https://strictlystroccos-2015.everydayhero.com/uk/paul