Frome theatre company Rare Species has raised £600 for Vallis School's library refurbishment with an online Mojo Moves dance-a-thon.

Local woman Ginny Adams who runs Mojo Moves comedy fitness classes as her alter-ego Cheryl Sprinkler said, "I was due to be running a fundraiser for the school in April but obviously the lockdown rules meant that didn't go ahead so I had the idea to run something online instead."

When lockdown closed all Mojo Moves' venues such as RISE and the Cheese & Grain, the business had to adapt quickly and began running online classes in late March. They have proved a real hit and have seen new participants from other parts of the country and indeed the globe with people joining from America and New Zealand.

"It's been lovely. People were saying - "I've always been jealous that I didn't live in Frome and couldn't attend Mojo Moves", being online has really broadened our audience."

Mojo Moves not only provides an excellent aerobic and toning workout, but a welcome relief from the sometimes frightening situation of living in lockdown.

A feel good workout which combines comedy with proper dance aerobics.

Yes, you heard that right, comedy.

The classes are led by larger-than-life character Cheryl complete with neon leotard, legwarmers, perm & oversized specs.

The self proclaimed "Queen of literal dance" draws her "dancespiration" from ballet to break dance and will have you busting 80s moves like "The Robot" or "The Sprinkler" to an eclectic mix of tunes from opera to rave.

Gone is the repetitive bpm standard playlist and in its place carefully curated music to enhance the feel good mood.

Throw in some TV theme tunes for nostalgia, deep breathing to ease anxiety, laughter and positive affirmation exercises to build mental strength & confidence, and symbolic rituals to rid negativity - it's simply the best group exercise class ever.

Where else could you dance to The Cure, Dolly Parton, Roni Size and the theme from Dallas in one go?

The dance-a-thon ran for three hours with "Cheryl" dancing the whole time and sponsors invited to participate for as long as they liked. It was well supported by parents keen to help improve the Victorian school's library, all fundraising for which has had to be organised virtually by the Vallis School Association.

"It's such a great school which my son loves - his time in reception was such a positive experience thanks to the great staff - so I wanted to give something back", said Ginny aka Cheryl.