Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza in memory of Great Barr teenager Zoe Shapiro

Zoe Shapiro, aged 17, was hit by a van as she tried to cross the road near her home in Great Barr on February 24. She was taken to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital but died from her injuries. A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and subsequently bailed.

The A34 was closed between Peak House Road and Merrions Close for several hours as a result of the crash.

Now her former friends and teachers at the Q3 Academy in Great Barr will be swapping their books and pens for sequins as they prepare for their version of the hit dancing show.

It will be to raise money for the Zoe Shapiro Memorial Fund and Grace Payne Centre for Student Development. Staff have been practising for more than five months.

Students will be helping out with the hair and make-up of the competitors.

The event will take place on June 30 at 6.30pm with couples taking to the floor, showing off their waltz and cha cha cha skills in front of a team of expert judges.

Tickets are available from the academy, priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for under 16s on 0121 358 6186 ext 1469.

Speaking at the time of Zoe's death, Dr Caroline Badyal, the academy's principal, said: "Zoe joined Q3 Academy in the Sixth Form in September 2015. Zoe was a wonderful young lady who cared greatly for her family and friends.

"Zoe's friends at Q3 Academy have been sharing their memories of her and her kind-hearted nature