THE world hornpipe record challenge lies squarely at the feet of Amanda Drago, who has the unenviable task of teaching me a simple dance that - supposedly - anyone can learn.

I nervously met up with the Newcastle-based dance choreographer to see how easy the moves really are.

I will be among 500 Hartlepudlian volunteers who will perform the hornpipe in a bid to set a new world record – and you can join me. So here goes...

"So we just do a few steps like these," said Amanda before she started bouncing across the floor like a Russian dancer with legs made of elastic.

She quickly saw the fear in my eyes and decided to take things a bit slower.

"The hornpipe is quite a fast, jumpy dance that is quite energetic. But I've created a simple version that will be quick to learn with a few simple moves," added Amanda - much to my relief.

To let everyone into a secret, I was a regular in my local pantomime when I was at school, so I would like to think I can pull off the odd dance step.

But I soon realised that eight years on from scraping through The King and I in a church hall my balance had become that of a drunk giraffe.

Thankfully, Amanda's years of experience shone through and she talked me through every bend, flex and point. I began to feel much better and wobble a lot less.

"It is a fun dance that hopefully everyone will want to take part in. You don't need to be a dancer to do it, it's just fun," said Amanda, who is no stranger to big projects as she runs her own dance company called Falling Cat.

So, I now have the moves, apparently, and in just over a week's time Amanda will be putting me to the test along with some local schoolchildren.

The hornpipe will be one of the highlights of Hartlepool's Maritime Festival, which will run from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6.

Anyone can get involved by popping along at 2.30pm on July 6 and jig their way in to the record books.

THE HORNPIPE IN 4 EASY STEPS

1: Straighten your right leg so it takes your weight then cross your left leg behind. Fold your arms but keep them high then bend from the waist to the right.

2: Transfer your weight to your left leg but bend it slightly so your hip sticks out. Kick out your right leg to the side and point your toes to the sky.

3: Push your hips to the right so your weight lands on your straight right leg. Your left leg should also be straight but pointed out. Keep your left arm down by your side and pretend to look out to sea.

4: Transfer your weight to your left leg as a reverse of the last step. Bring up your hands and pretend to play a giant flute.