By Phil Coleman

Published at 11:24, Monday, 17 December 2012

Shoppers could only stare in wonder as a 60-strong band of “flashmob” dancers strutted their stuff in the street.

The flashmob in Carlisle’s Scotch Street

The group of friends – most from Maryport – came together to raise money for three good causes.

Their ages ranged from four to 68 as they delighted crowds in Workington, Cockermouth, and Carlisle with their brief routine.

Among those taking part was expectant mum Nicola Ewen, 29, who is due to give birth in 12 days. She joined in with her five-year-old daughter Brooke. She said: “I’ve been hoping that dancing might bring on the birth! I’ve really enjoyed it and everybody here are really good mates.”

The group have been practising for their moves for the last three months at Maryport Social Club.

The routine – so-called “flashmob” events which involve sudden mass co-ordinated dance routines in public places – raised money for Eden Valley Hospice, The Asante Sana children’s charity, and for nine-year-old Maryport boy Aaron Jarvis, who has cerebral palsy.

Organiser Rachel Featherstone, 37, wanted to raise money for Eden Valley Hospital after it helped her mother Margo four years ago.

Rachael said: “My mum suffered pain constantly and Whitehaven Hospital weren’t able to help her with that. But the hospice could and we were able to get her settled and home for her last week. It made a huge difference.”

Another of those taking part was Claire Wilson, 34, who said: “We’ve been able to raise money for charity while having a right good laugh. It’s particularly nice to do something like this in the run-up to Christmas.”

In Scotch Street, Carlisle, on Saturday, onlooker Christine Tweddle, 56, was one of the many who enjoyed the show. “I think it’s great,” she said. “It’s right for Christmas.”

Nearly all of the dancers were female but a few brave men – and one boy – also took part. Ten-year-old Jack Denwood said: “I was a bit nervous at first but when you start dancing with all your friends you feel more confident.”

The youngest dancer was four-year-old Sandra Holecovea, there with her sisters Emma, six, and Terezia, nine, and their mum Barbara. The oldest was Raymond Wilson, 68.

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