A PRESTON belly dancing tutor is keeping body and soul together by shimmying her way across the desert in a charity trek to Egypt.

Anne Kingston, 47, who holds classes at Faringdon Community Centre, Thirlmere Road, plans to climb 2,256ft to the top of Mount Sinai, in Egypt before continuing on a 75km hike across the Sinai desert, led by camels and a guide.

The dancer is no stranger to Egypt having visited seven times to learn new belly-jigging moves to teach to students back home.

But she'll leave her glittery costume at home next March as she ploughs through the desert for ten hours each day -- walking across sandy riverbeds, camping beneath the stars and sleeping in a tribal tent -- to raise cash for Scope.

Anne, of Langdale Road, Longridge, said: "I was inspired to do this when I saw athletes with cerebral palsy at the Commonwealth Games. They were amazing. I love Egypt and that is where my form of belly dancing is from, so I thought it was a good way to combine the two and raise funds."

Having practised ballet, jazz and contemporary dance, it was when Anne was living in Germany with husband Tony, 48, that she was introduced to belly dancing after being asked to choreograph a production of Sinbad the Sailor. The couple moved to Preston three years ago when Tony took a job as a senior engineer at BAE Systems.

Anne soon began teaching belly dancing and performing locally. "Belly dancing is really good for your body," said Anne. "It's gentle on the joints, improves flexibility and it suits women of any age. It's a very sensual dance and makes women feel good."

Anne needs to raise £2,500 before the end of this year in order to take part for her Egyptian quest. To sponsor Anne, or to find out about her classes and performances, call her on 783048.

A NIGHT of Middle Eastern entertainment will be on offer on October 18 at Bello restaurant, Friargate, Preston, where Anne will be performing at a Hafla night, to raise cash for Scope.