A HAIRDRESSER, a bus driver and a florist are among those strutting their stuff to raise funds for the RNLI.

Seven couples are battling it out to be crowned the Strictly for the Lifeboat champions next month.

The annual fundraising event has proven hugely popular, raising about £33,000 for Dunbar RNLI over the five times it has taken place.

Veronica Davies, organiser and Dunbar RNLI fundraising committee chair, welcomed the seven couples, who will take to the dance floor at the Strawberry Barn on November 11 and 12.

She said: “Strictly for the Lifeboats is one of the biggest events of the year when it comes to raising money to help save lives at sea in Dunbar.

“It’s been a huge success and we are delighted to be bringing it back for another year.

'Cracking show'

“We are thrilled with the line-up of dancers we have.

“They have been working hard to learn their routines and are sure to put on a cracking show.”

Tickets for the shows, which take place at 7pm on the Friday and Saturday, with a matinee show on the Saturday at 12.30pm, are on sale at Dunbar Royal British Legion.

The evening shows are £15 and for over-18s only, while the matinee tickets are £7.50.

This year’s couples include mother-and-daughter Yvonne Lees, who works as a care manager, and Cara Davies, who is an entrepreneur, who will be dancing the hustle to Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind and Fire.

Yvonne said: “I grew up as a ‘shorey’ around the harbour.

“My father Peter ‘Boups’ Johnstone was a lifeboat coxswain, I was lifeboat queen when I was 15 and have several relatives who have served on the crew, including my daughter Cara.”

'The lifeboat means so much'

Husband-and-wife duo Stewart and Heather Stenhouse will be doing the cha-cha to Copacabana by Barry Manilow.

Heather, who works as a florist, said: “The lifeboat means so much to the people of this town and I think we should do all we can to help them.

“And it was brought home to us how important it is to have a lifeboat here when our grandson, then 14, jumped into the water to help a friend who had slipped in.

“On that occasion, fishermen came to their aid but it’s good to know we have the lifeboats when needed.

“I have two replacement knees so it will be a challenge but I’ll do my best.”

Real-life partners Amanda Kerr, who works as a charity shop manager, and Grant McConnell, a weighbridge operator, are dancing the samba to Tiger Feet by Mud.

Amanda said: “I love dancing and keeping fit, and I hope to make my three children proud.

“We’re all fans of Strictly Come Dancing and they’re already very excited for me.”

'Stand up for the bigger girls'

Meanwhile, Severine ‘Sevy’ Lemoine-McGinnes, a medical receptionist and lifeboat shop volunteer, and fiancé John Scoltock, a bus driver, are doing the waltz to Take it To The Limit by Eagles.

Sevy said: “I am really passionate about the lifeboats and took part in Syncing with the Lifeboats previously.

“I also want to stand up for the bigger girls and show everyone anything is possible.

“And after the tragic loss of my daughter Niamh, who died at 17, I want to do something positive.

“She loved Strictly and the sparkles and the amazing stage make-up, which she was really into, so I think she would be proud of me doing this.”

Couple number five are Martin Drysdale, a solar engineer, and Victoria Hendrie, a hairdresser, who will dance the salsa to Superstition by Stevie Wonder.

Martin said: “I did a year with the Merchant Navy so know the dangers at sea.

“We have another reason for liking the RNLI, though … we first went out when we were teenagers but lost touch.

“After 17 years, I tried to get in touch with Victoria but the only way I could find her on Facebook was through the Dunbar RNLI page!

“I looked through the followers and there she was!”

'The rivalry will be fierce'

Best friends Pam McLaren, a technician at Torness Power Station, and Michelle Empson, a securities associate with Royal Bank of Scotland, are dancing the Charleston to Hot Honey Rag from Chicago and there will be some family rivalry.

Michelle said: “My father-in-law, Terry Empson, took part last year and thought it was the best thing ever, so I wanted to emulate him and hopefully do better than he did!”

Pam added: “My husband and sister are also competing so, while we can help each other with the practice, when the actual event gets closer the rivalry will be fierce!”

Finally, Blair McLaren, an HGV driver, and Nicola Daisley, a PA, are dancing the cha-cha to September by Earth, Wind and Fire.

Nicola said: “I’ve always wanted to do Strictly so I’m delighted to get the chance.

“My husband Ross won last year and the fact Pam is my sister and Blair is her husband gives it an added edge!”