MORE than 600 Gwent dance fans are hoping they have set a new world record after taking part in a dance event yesterday.

The group of 612 dancers gathered at the Celtic Manor to try and make up the world's largest recorded Zumba class, while raising money for hospice charity the St David's Foundation.

The event was started with an airhorn blast by Newport mayor, Cllr Bill Langsford.

Participants, from age 14 upwards, followed a Latin American-style dance routine for an hour.

Experienced Zumba dancers Amanda Ellis, Kim Brockhurst, Alyson Acreman and Richard Leyshon volunteered to instruct the class and lead the routine.

Ms Ellis said: We put together an exciting routine and practised hard to ensure all the participants had a great time." An application will be sent to Guiness World Records with signatures from 20 witnesses including Cllr Langsford to verify the record attempt.

Kris Broome, St David's Foundation's director of fundraising, said: “The day went very well. As far as we know there is not a registered record already.”

He said the event will raise more than £7,000 for the charity, which provides care for people suffering from cancer and long-term illnesses. The event also featured raffle prizes donated by local businesses.