Mesmerising moves direct from the Orient are set to take Kendal by storm when a Kirkby Stephen dancer leads a charity bellython.

Belly dance teacher Natalie Nardone, of Rowgate, Kirkby Stephen, is hosting the hip-shaking happening at the Youth Hostel Association, Kendal, to raise funds for a mammoth trek across the desert sands of Egypt.

The teacher, who holds regular classes in Kendal, Appleby, Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen, will trek on foot for five days in blistering heat across the Sinai Desert in March 2003.

Mrs Nardone has pledged to raise £2,100 for Cerebral Palsy charity Scope and the bellython on October 26, featuring many of her dance class members, will be the first step along the way to hitting her target.

"I am taking this challenge very seriously and am determined not to let my sponsors down.

I know I will have to be very fit so I am training three times a week, slowly building up my distance."

"When I was approached to do this trek I jumped at the chance.

We have a friend who has a child with Cerebral Palsy so we knew something about what Scope do."

The qualified dance teacher, who has also trained regularly with dancers in Cairo, said the bellython would be an ideal family occasion.

"Belly dancing is a wonderful, relaxing dance suitable for all age and ability levels.

It is a very social dance.

In the Middle East both men and women dance.

At teatime they push back the furniture and, just as we would watch television, they belly dance."

The teacher, who has performed at The Royal Albert Hall in aid of Amnesty International, will be on hand during the bellython to provide instruction for beginners and help experienced dancers brush up on their shimmy.

She is also hoping to raise extra charity funds through dancing at functions.

The bellython will run from 10.30am to 5.30 pm.

To make a donation contact 017683-72931.