GLASGOW celebrities are pulling on their dancing shoes to host their own version of the BBC's hit Saturday night show Strictly Come Dancing.

Businessman Charan Gill and television presenter Vicky Lee are among the celebs taking part in the fundraising event for Marie Curie's Big Build Appeal. The glittering event takes place at Glasgow's Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday, May 30.

The Celebrity Come Dance with Me event has been organised by dance company Ballroom Basics to raise funds for a new and much-needed Marie Curie Cancer Care hospice in Glasgow.

The Evening Times-backed Big Build aims to raise £16.1million to build the new hospice, which is due to open in 2010. To date, an amazing £13.2m has already been raised.

Other contestants taking part include comedian and Galaxy FM DJ Des Clarke; Smooth Radio presenter Sharon Oakley and STV weatherman Sean Batty.

Each celebrity contestants has been paired up with expert dance partners from the world of Latin and modern ballroom and are being put through their paces with weeks of rigorous training and dance lessons in preparation for the final.

Hosted by Rachel McTavish and Grant Lauchlan, of STV's The Five Thirty Show, the celebrities will have to do their best to impress judges who include dance tutors Charlotte Comrie and Agnes Knox as well as actor Tony Roper, to win the title of Celebrity Come Dance With Me champion.

Des Clarke, who will be teaming up with ballroom champion Janet MacDonald to do the tango and the cha cha cha, said: "Marie Curie does a fantastic job for patients and their families.

"Admittedly, I'm not the best dancer in the world but doing it for such a good cause makes it all the more challenging and enjoyable.

"I am working hard to master the routines but there is a real possibility of me becoming Scotland's answer to John Sergeant!"

Smooth Radio Breakfast's co-host, Sharon Oakley said: "This event has taken a lot of hard work and collaboration to put together, with a huge amount of generosity being shown from local businesses and supporters of The Big Build Appeal.

"All I've had to do is learn to dance. It's great fun, despite having permanently sore feet! I've discovered muscles I didn't know I had and have never been fitter. Some of the contestants are getting very competitive, but if it means we raise more money for Marie Curie then bring it on!"

On the night, those attending will be enjoy a champagne reception before tucking in to a three-course dinner followed by performances by jazz and swing group, the Simon Atkinson and Ben Mercato Trio. Guests will also have the chance to put their own moves to the test with a disco at the end of the night.

Aileen Eland, hospice manager for Marie Curie Cancer Care Glasgow, said: "The existing hospice was built more than 30 years ago and while nursing standards remain excellent, the dated facilities are affecting our patients' comfort, privacy and the standard of care that they receive.

"Our aim is to raise enough money to build a modern replacement hospice that will offer round-the-clock care and support for patients and their families. This celebrity event marks a milestone and a great opportunity in our fundraising appeal and we hope that the people of Glasgow and beyond will come along in support of the cause."

The Marie Curie Hospice at Stobhill Hospital has touched the lives of thousands of families affected by cancer and other terminal illnesses since it opened its doors in 1976.

Despite offering first class care for around 3400 patients each year, the building is more than 30 years old and modern facilities are desperately needed.

Which is why the Evening Times is backing The Big Build to help build a new Marie Curie hospice for Glasgow.

The new hospice, which is being built at nearby Stobhill Hospital, will boast piped oxygen to every bed; single rooms with en suite bathrooms and improved facilities for visiting family members.

Tickets for Celebrity Come Dance With Me cost £45 and can be purchased from www.ballroombasics.co.uk/comedancewithme.htm or by calling 0772 962 4798. How you can help with the Big Build

THERE are many ways to help the Big Build appeal.

Get your family, friends or community involved in raising funds for The Big Build. Hold your own event or sign up for the dynamic Glasgow Brain Game or a variety of other fundraising events.

Tell your colleagues, friends and family about the fantastic work of the Marie Curie nurses and the need to provide a new hospice for Glasgow's cancer patients and their loved ones.

If you would like to make a donation, there are a number of ways to give: Send a cheque, with your name and address to: The Big Build Evening Times, Marie Curie Cancer Care, FREEPOST, Admail ADM4018, Glasgow, G1 2ZY. Please make cheques payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Call us on 0141 531 1383, donate online on our website at www.mariecurie.org.uk/bigbuild or call in to your local Marie Curie Cancer Care shop.

For more information about the Big Build appeal, visit www.bigbuild.org.uk or call 0141 531 1383.