Dancers are being encouraged to take part in a national tap dancing competition.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation hosts a National Tapathon annually in honour of its namesake, television presenter and entertainer Roy Castle.

The charity was founded by chest surgeon Professor Ray Donnelly, who recognised the enormity of the challenge posed by lung cancer, and the need to address it in 1991.

In 1977, Roy Castle joined 500 other participants to perform what was the largest tap dance at the BBC TV Centre.

The foundation funds research into early detection of lung cancer and patient experience, with an office based in Onchan.

This year the charity will try to break the world record for the ’largest tap dance in multiple locations’ - currently standing at 7,596 dancers.

Community and events officer Laura Jones said: ’Following our warm-up in February, you can now take part in the national live event on Sunday, May 23, at 2pm - and along with our current local supporters we hope lots more people will take part!

’Once again anyone can register and do the dance from the comfort of their own home.

’Once restrictions are lifted, dance schools and community groups can take part dancing live in their studios.’

She added: ’We’re very excited this time to have a beginners and advanced routine by 16 times world tap dance champion Kai Scanlan.

’Once people have registered, they’ll be sent a video link with a 20-minute lesson from Kai teaching you the tap routine.

’We want everyone to perform the dance at the same time to beat the current world record. Get friends and family to sponsor you and video yourselves dancing to show your impressive new moves. Kai will also stream his performance live for you all to dance along to on our Facebook page.’

Everyone who takes part will receive an exclusive National Tapathon medal.

For anyone who can’t make it on the date, they can watch the video from the day and do it at a later time.

The Foundation is reminding everyone to make sure to let them know, as this may not count towards the record attempt.

To register visit: roycastle.org/events/national-tapathon-2/.

For more information, telephone 672971.