IT wasn’t just the mulled wine that delivered some spice festive spice at a charity Christmas event last night.

The annual Sexy Santa Christmas Dance returned to The Royal British Legion in Queensmead Road, Loudwater to get revellers jiving across the dance floor.

Organised by Just Danze, which runs dancing classes throughout the year, the event raised money for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity.

Julie Creswell, 38, of Wooburn Green, is a regular at Just Danze’s jive and rock ‘n roll evenings, and also helps promote the business, run by “Jiving” George Gatrell.

She said the idea for a themed fundraising festive dance came about after a friend contracted breast cancer.

She said: “The reason why we started doing this is because one of our dancing friends has suffered with breast cancer. She’s now in remission, thankfully. She nominated Beeakthrough Breast Cancer for us to raise money for.

“I came up with the Sexy Santa idea and it’s just stuck.”

The event, now in its fourth year, has raised £1,566 with previous dances, with last night’s proceeds still to be confirmed.

Plenty of revellers spent the evening dancing to a mix of music from the 50s right through to modern tracks. To set the atmosphere there was also a large video screen at the back of the hall, with a snow machine adding to the Christmas spirit.

Julie said the popularity of the dance had grown – particularly the fancy dress aspect.

She said: “It’s great – the first year we had about five of us dress up, and then each year it’s increased. Mainly it’s just the women that dress up, but this year we have got some blokes as well.”

Julie said she was optimistic last night’s fundraising might net another £400 to £500 for the charity.

Just Danze also puts on charity events for Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Haddenham throughout the year. It runs dance classes at Hedsor Social Club in Bourne End and at Loudwater’s Royal British Legion.