A TELEVISION show has inspired two local dancers to set up their own tango class.

Lucy Kershaw and Ruth Kellar watched BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing, and decided to teach a class - called Strictly Tango.

Miss Kellar, aged 43, said: "The highlight of Strictly Come Dancing was the passionate Argentinean Tango where Mark Ramprakash wowed the judges with a perfect 10. It was an inspiration."

The pair started dancing long before the reality TV shows became popular.

Miss Kershaw, from Little Lever, has been dancing for 10 years and Miss Kellar, from Stockport, has been dancing for three.

Miss Kershaw, aged 31, said: "I first saw the Tango more than five years ago and although I have been involved in competitive ballroom and salsa, this was quite different and inspiring.

"It's a dance about emotion and passion with really beautiful music."

Tango started at the turn of the 20th century in Buenos Aires.

The local folk dance was fused with Afro-Cuban rhythms and evolved into a distinctive dance style. By the 1920s it had been popularised in Europe with famous films stars like Rudolph Valentio who became an icon for the nation.

Miss Kershaw said: "Dancing is so enjoyable and there are lots of benefits.

"Not only is it great exercise, but it is great for meeting new people and anyone one of any age or experience can get involved."

The Strictly Tango class is on Wednesdays at Heaton Park Social Club, Prestwich, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.