THE people of Barry are invited to put on their dancing shoes and enjoy a charity event to support those affected by sight loss.

Barry Island LDC is holding the Line Dance Ball on January 25, to support the Macular Society.

Age-related macular degeneration affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK. More people are affected as our society ages.

The event takes place at Barry Island Social Club, in Redbrink Crescent, from 8pm and tickets cost £5.

All levels of experience are welcome with a mixed level of dances to suite all abilities. A taster session for beginners or a refresher warm up will start at 7.15pm.

Event organiser Malcolm Penny said: "As a club we haven't done a charity event before, so it has been in my mind to do something for a while. I've recently heard about the Macular Society and decided they would be a good cause to support.

"By chance I spoke to a friend over Christmas who said that unfortunately she had decided to give up dancing because she had developed macular degeneration. It was an unfortunate coincidence.

"I've been teaching line dancing for 12 years and been instructing at Barry Island LDC for the last eight. We'll be doing lots of dances that are both fun and easy to do. We hope that there will be a real party atmosphere.

"If people aren't confident about the dancing, we will be holding a taster session about 45 minutes before the start time where people can come and have a go before the main event.

"We hope people will come along and have an enjoyable evening, whilst also helping to raise money for a good cause."

Helen Jackman, chief executive of the Macular Society, said: "I want to say a huge thank you to Malcolm for all the hard work he has put into organising this event.

"The money generated from initiatives such as this is essential for us to continue to invest into research for a cure for macular disease and to support people locally who are affected by the condition."

There is an optional fancy dress theme of 'the roaring twenties' at the event, as well as a raffle to support the work of the Society.

If you would like to book a ticket for the event call 07753 416 266.

* The Macular Society is the national charity for anyone affected by central vision loss. They provide free information and support, have more than 250 support groups around the UK, and fund research into a cure. For information, advice or support contact the Macular Society's Helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org