DANCE pupils will be joining TV stars Dick and Dom to take part in a national fundraising campaign for autism.

Pre-schoolers from across Wokingham and Reading are set to take on the ‘Watch Me Fly’ challenge in their Diddi dance classes.

The event will see the youngsters dress up as their favourite flying animal or character to perform a special choreographed dance, as part of the national Children’s Week campaign to improve support for children with autism.

Andrea Bickford, Owner of Diddi Dance Reading and Wokingham, said: “We’re very proud to be a part of Children’s Activities Week in May.

"All of our little students have had lots of fun practicing for our special “Watch Me Fly” dance and are very excited at the prospect of dressing up to perform their funky new moves.

“At Diddi Dance we’re passionate about getting little ones physically active and giving them the best start in life and by taking part in Children’s Activities Week we’re taking that beyond our classes and helping other children as well.”

More than 250 children from Wokingham and Reading will join an estimated 120,000 other children across the country to raise awareness and money to provide support for autistic children through the charity, Caudwell Children.

TV stars Dick and Dom will be joining in at a showcase event and believe it is an honour.

They added: “We can’t wait to join in with lots of the amazing kids’ clubs and classes.

“We are honoured to be a part of such a wonderful celebration and a worthwhile cause.

“We encourage as many kids, parents and children’s activities leaders as possible to get involved too.”

The money raised will fund assessments and practical support for autistic children at the new Caudwell International Children’s Centre.

Trudi Beswick, chief executive of Caudwell Children, said: “It is truly an honour to have groups of children like these all coming together to help raise funds for the charity.

“We are dedicated to enabling autistic children to reach their full potential and Children’s Activities Week is playing a big part in us achieving our aim. Together, we are changing lives.”

The Children’s Activities Week takes place from May 13 to May 17.