DANCING fans were left outraged after they paid up to £40 to see a celebrity tango demonstration - that lasted just three minutes.

More than 350 people packed into the Longfield Suite in Prestwich to enjoy the show starring Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone, who starred in the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

They said the programme promised two half-hour dance demonstrations, but the dancing was cut short because Vincent was ill. Now disgruntled customers are demanding an apology and a refund from organiser Ronald Jager, of Oldham-based Jager Events, and have formed a campaign group. A similar event is due at the Longfield Suite in July.

"It was more like strictly rip off', than Strictly Come Dancing," said Kevin Hodges, of Brentwood Court, Prestwich, who enjoys ballroom dancing with his wife Christine. He plans to launch a website called strictlyripoff.com Kevin added: "People were unhappy even before the non-event started. People were packed in like sardines. We had paid £25 each for normal tickets and then there was a VIP area with places going at £40 a ticket. All we could see was the back of people's heads."

"Then the couple arrived and it was announced that Vincent had a sore throat. They danced for three minutes, then they spoke for 20 minutes and did a brief question-and-answer session and that was it.

"We were absolutely enraged. We didn't pay £50 just to hear tittle tattle about where Flavia got her dress from. It was a total farce."

Another couple who attended the event on January 12 were Colin and Stephanie Smithies, of Woodhill Drive, Prestwich.

Their daughter Sharon said: "They were shocked and disappointed by what had happened and when they approached Mr Jager about it at the end, he brushed it off and walked away, saying it wasn't his fault that Vincent was ill and that he still had to pay the orchestra who played."

Sharon wrote to Mr Jager on behalf of her parents. She said he replied stating when audience members buy their tickets, they accept the risk of such things happening.

Bury Trading Standards have had several complaints about the event and are investigating.

In a letter to complainants, Ronald Jager says: "I am very sorry to hear that you were not satisfied with the show. Please accept my sincere apologies.

"I am sure you will understand that the health and fitness of the stars we have booked for the event is something which is beyond my control and cannot be guaranteed.

"Clearly events such as this are not without their risks. Unfortunately, Vincent Simone was unwell that evening and unable to dance for as long as he would have liked.

"However, as advertised, Vincent and Simone did provide a demonstration of their dancing skills, stayed for the evening, talking to the guests and signing autographs and the orchestra played for the entire evening, providing entertainment and dancing for all.

"Therefore, whilst I appreciate it is frustrating for some guests that Vincent and Flavia were unable to dance for longer, I feel that the advertised event was provided to the highest standard possible on the night."

He added: "Please also note that I was contractually obliged to pay Vincent and Flavia's full fee for the evening (which I considered fair considering the time they put into the event), as well as the fee of the orchestra.

"It will therefore not be possible for me to offer any refunds for the event. I truly hope that you will understand my position and continue to support Jager Dance Events in the future."