WORCESTERSHIRE cancer charity the Rory the Robot Appeal has been handed a £20,000 boost by the organisers of Strictly Worcestershire.

The annual dance spectacular, hosted by TV and radio presenter Adrian Chiles, attracted a sell-out audience of 750 to the Chateau Impney in Droitwich in May and raised a record total of £37,000.

Rory is a state-of-the-art surgical robotic system, which allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery. With Rory’s assistance, patients will benefit from less pain, minimal blood loss, quicker recovery and reduced complications.

Ian Jukes, chairman of the Rory the Robot Appeal, said: “The amount raised shows how events like Strictly Worcestershire can make a big difference in supporting the funding of our new robotic surgical unit for the Alex Hospital."

Sponsored by drp and A1 Recruitment Solutions, this year’s event also raised funds for the Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Awareness Group.

Strictly Worcestershire co-producer Granville Orange said: “We won’t be resting on our laurels and are determined that the fifth Strictly Worcestershire, which will be held on May 24, 2018 will be the most successful to date."