Chelmsford Irish dancers stole the show at a charity event in Brentwood - just hours after they were involved in a pile-up on the A12.

The squad of six dancers from the McGahan Lees Dance Academy, were on their way to the Marillac Hospital when they were caught up in the accident.

It happened at 7.45pm on the London-bound carriageway between Ingatestone and the Mountnessing roundabout in thick fog.

Four vehicles were involved and two drivers were taken to Oldchurch Hospital, Romford, with minor injuries.

The dance academy's principal, Frances McGahan, said: "The crash happened right in front of us and we were very lucky. Not only to stop in time, but that no one came into the back of us. The girls were really shaken up and some were in tears.

"We managed to get to the show, but we were very late. I calmed the team down and told them they didn't have to perform if they didn't want to. But they all did and they did a great job."

Published Wednesday, March 20, 2002