Richard McCourt, known for being one half of Dick and Dom, made a surprise appearance at a Somerset charity dance-a-thon.

The event was taking pace to raise funds for Somerset dementia charity Reminiscence Learning.

Mr McCourt's mother died of dementia aged 64, and he has agreed to become an ambassador of the charity.

Somerset County Gazette: Richard McCourt at the charity dance marathon in SomersetRichard McCourt at the charity dance marathon in Somerset (Image: Reminiscence Learning)

He said: "It would have been so wonderful had an organisation like Reminiscence Learning been around when my mum was ill.

"They do such tremendous work. And it’s an honour to become an ambassador."

Nine teams participated in the event at Oake Village Hall, dancing non-stop for 12 hours to raise money.

Mr McCourt, currently touring the UK with his professional partner, joined the event to present medals to the dancers.

Chief executive of Reminiscence Learning, Fiona Mahoney, said: "We are so grateful to Richard and to all the teams that took part.

Somerset County Gazette: Richard McCourt at the charity dance marathon in SomersetRichard McCourt at the charity dance marathon in Somerset (Image: Reminiscence Learning)

"Raising money gets harder every year and events like this are so important to us."

The charity, which is still calculating the total amount raised, anticipates that the event will generate approximately £3,500.

More information about Reminiscence Learning can be found on the charity's website, or by calling 01823 66 86 76.

It is a registered charity specialising in all aspects of dementia training, and provides a variety of community, respite day care and carers support services across Somerset.