DANCING superstars will put amateurs through their paces at an annual air ambulance fundraiser.

Pavel ‘Pasha’ Kovalev and dance partner Chloe Hewitt have been revealed as the celebrity judges of this year’s Strictly Air Ambulance, for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust.

Russia-born Pasha has been dancing since the age of eight, becoming a famous face on So You Think You Can Dance in the US and Strictly Come Dancing in Britain.

He won series 12 of the BBC show with Caroline Flack and has been runner-up three times.

The pair will judge the performances of amateur contestants and perform for the audience at the event, hosted by TV presenter David Whitely.

Six couples have signed up to take part, including BBC Essex presenter Rob Jelly.

Air ambulance spokesman Emily Donnachie said: “I’m delighted that Pasha will be joining us for this year’s Strictly Air Ambulance.

“He is a hugely popular figure in the dance world and we are confident he and Chloe will add plenty of sparkle to our evening.

“Strictly Air Ambulance is one of our most popular events.

“Everyone involved takes their preparation and the competition seriously, and our audiences have a great night of entertainment for a really brilliant cause.”

Competitors will face off in a friendly contest at the show, which takes place at the Five Lakes Resort in Tolleshunt Knights.

Each couple will perform either a Latin or ballroom dance plus their own showcase.

Last year’s event raised £17,500 to help the service to continue its life-saving work.

Strictly Air Ambulance 2020 is sponsored by MDS Civil Engineering.

Tickets for the show, which takes place on March 28,are £27.50.

There is also an after-show party attended by the contestants and their partners.