YOUNG people danced the Harlem Shake in a bid to raise money for an autism charity.

The event, which marked World Autism Day, was organised by 21-year-old Reece Jones, who is himself autistic.

It saw about a dozen people take part, dressed up in underwater gear.

Mr Jones, who lives in Colchester, said: “I like music and I had seen the Harlem Shake videos online.

“I thought they were great and absolutely hilarious and hysterical.

“I saw a version online where people were doing a Harlem Shake in an actual swimming pool, underwater.

“It seemed like a good idea and it was very popular.”

As part of the event, volunteers from the Essex Youth Service transformed the ground floor of Colchester Townhouse, in East Stockwell Street, to look as though it was under water.

Mr Jones wants to raise £365 for Autism Anglia, which is based in Colchester.

To donate £1, text ‘TOWN88 £1’ to 70070. To give more, replace the ‘£1’ with a higher number.

Donations can also be made at justgiving.com/TownhouseHarlemShake2014.