YOUNG street dancers thrilled a crowd of shoppers and tourists in Bournemouth Square on Saturday (OCT 3).

The 25 talented youngsters of all ages, all from Bournemouth dance company Beat, performed a 'flash mob' to raise funds for Asthma UK, as one of their members – 14-year-old Ella Andress – suffers from a severe form of the condition.

Ella's dad Mike is running in next year's London Marathon on behalf of the charity, and has already raised £1,800.

"I have done fundraising for a few other charities, but I thought why not do something closer to home," said Mr Andress, 52.

"I thought the dance was lovely and it was so nice to see something portraying young people in a positive light.

"We collected about £360 from the crowd in buckets, and also some yen and euros, so we are very pleased."

Ella's asthma, called brittle asthma, can strike at any time, leaving her unable to breathe. An ambulance has been called out to help her 16 times this year alone.

She has been a member of Beat for 10 years, as exercise helps her cope with the condition.

"I am always amazed at how calm she stays, I don't think I would be the same if I were struggling to breathe," said Mr Andress, a glazier who lives with his wife Sue, Ella and her brother Zac in Redhill.

"But she has got to struggle through it.

"Laura Cuschieri, who runs Beat, has been a brilliant teacher."

Mr Andress has already begun training for the marathon next year as he is "52 and out of shape", and says if it goes well he will take part in more running events on behalf of the charity.

"I am looking forward to it, it will have some benefits for me as well," he said.

To support Mr Andress visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/mikeandress.

To learn more about Beat Company visit beatcompany.com.