A FORMER Clarets skipper is swapping his football boots for a pair of dancing shoes as he prepares for a charity event.

Jamie Hoyland, 42, who played 84 games in midfield for Burnley FC between 1994 and 1998, is set to take part in this year’s Dancing Fever event at Preston Guild Hall, in aid of children’s charity The Legacy Rainbow House.

As part of the Strictly Come Dancing-type event, Jamie, who scored four times during his tenure with Burnley, will perform the cha cha cha and the waltz.

And the Preston North End reserve and youth team manager will be pitting his dancing skills against five other local celebrities in the contest.

Sheffield-born Jamie, who now lives in Waterfoot, Rossendale, said he was approached to take part in the event by the manager of the North End fans team.

He added: “There was no chance the players could do it because they playing Blackpool the next day, so my name was put forward and it went from there.”

Jamie, who had spells with Manchester City, Bury and Sheffield United, has spent the last three weeks training with Rachel Holland, his dance partner.

He said: “She is a professional, so she is a very good dancer and luckily she has the patience of a saint as well.”

Jamie’s opposition for the Dancing Fever crown, includes Helen Clitheroe, the 3,000m steeplechase British record holder for Team GB.

He said he is looking forward to the challenge, but expects his feelings to change as it draws nearer. He added: “I’m enjoying it at the moment, but I think the nerves will kick in on the night.

“When I played football I used to be physically sick with nerves, sometimes even on the pitch at half time - I’m confident that won’t happen on the night.”

Jamie, who said he had ‘four great years’ at Burnley where he remembers the fans as being ‘very passionate’ will take part in the event at the 2000-capacity venue on Saturday November 15.

The Legacy Rainbow House charity offers support to families and children with neurological disorders and disabilities.

To book a table at the Dancing Fever event email stephen@feverdancecompany.com or contact the box office on 01772 258858.

And to sponsor Jamie visit http www.justgiving.com/jamiehoyland.