A dance academy in Newmains is ready to take on the UDO World Street Dance Championships which kicked off this week. 

On Pointe Dance Academy has sent a total of 31 young dancers to compete at the championships which runs until August 18 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Bellway Homes Ltd (Scotland West) donated £1,800 to the academy to help with the costs of attending the competition.

Parents of the dancers have also raised more than £3,000 to help with the costs.

Megan Hilditch, founder of On Pointe Dance Academy, said: “We would like to say a great big thanks to Marc Carty at Bellway Homes and also to all the local business in and around Newmains who have helped with our fundraising efforts.

“For most of our dancers this is their first season competing as we are building up the competition squads again following Covid.

"We have been blown away by the huge effort and response and I’m so happy that we are able to give our pupils at On Pointe Dance Academy the best experience."

Pauline Coates, sales director of Bellway Homes Ltd (Scotland West), said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the Academy teams to have qualified and we wish them all every success.”

The event attracts thousands of dancers from around the world who compete in different categories in front of celebrity judges who are some of the world’s best street and hip-hop dancers.

Established in 2013, the academy offers recreational and elite dance classes in various styles including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, street and commercial.

Classes are open to all ages and abilities.