First there were mad hair days, then there were no make-up selfies, now it seems that Crazy Legs are the latest fundraising craze.

Mokyfit dance instructors and their customers in Carlisle, Brampton and west Cumbria are all donning patterned leggings, colourful socks and bright leg-warmers to encourage others to give Cancer Research a boost.

It is all part of a now annual Stand Up To Cancer initiative, run jointly by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 to raise money for vital research.

As part of this year’s campaign, schools, offices, friends and family are being invited to take on the Crazy Legs challenge by getting sponsored to wear a ridiculous bottom half on Friday October 9 – the same day when Channel 4 will air an evening of entertainment.

In the run-up to the big day, Mokyfit instructors in Cumbria will encourage customers to come to class with crazy leg-wear and make a donation to the cause.

Nicola Roberts, who runs classes in Wetheral, Warwick Bridge and Brampton, said: “Our customers are used to donning props for certain routines to make them more fun: pompoms, masks and wigs.

“The Crazy Legs challenge is a fun and simple way to support Stand Up To Cancer and help raise money to fund research that saves lives. Mokyfit's current playlist features lots of challenging leg routines so this will motivate us through the burn.”

Emma Webb, whose classes are in Wigton, Aspatria and Carlisle, added: “Many of us know of someone who has been affected by cancer so this is a cause close to our hearts. We’re determined to do all that we can to help beat this disease.”

More than eight people are diagnosed with cancer every day in Cumbria.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Cumbria, said: “We’d like to thank Nicola, Emma and and fellow instructor Lois Blakey for standing up to cancer in style at their classes.

“From office workers in jazzy tights, teachers in clown trousers, firemen in flippers or rugby players in tutus, we’re asking people of all walks of life from across Cumbria to go barmy on their bottom halves this October.

“By taking on the Crazy Legs challenge, they’ll be helping to raise crucial cash for life-saving cancer research. Simply pull on a ridiculous bottom half for the day and either make a donation or get sponsored by friends and family.”

Launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has already raised over £23.8m.

This year, there are many ways to get involved and help save lives. Cancer Research UK is urging people across Cumbria to register for their free fundraising kit now and make their stand to help save lives.

For more information and to get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk