YOUNG performers from a Kidderminster dance school have scooped top awards after competing in an annual festival.

The dancers from Expressions School of Dance, based at Holy Innocents Community Centre in Stourport Road, competed in numerous categories at The West Coast Free Style Dance Festival.

It was held at Devon Cliffs, Exmouth between Friday, October 7 and Sunday October 9 and more than 1,000 competitors from across the country entered.

Ten-year-old Jess Haslam, who attends Sladen Middle School, took first place in the under-12 Rock 'n' Roll event with her partner, eight-year-old Chloe Harrison, who is a pupil at Westlands First School, Droitwich. Chloe also enjoyed doubles success in the under-10 Freestyle section with partner, eight-year-old Charlotte Jones, who attends Sutton Park First School. They won their qualifying heat on the Friday and went on to win the West Coast title in the grand final the next day.

Charlotte also received second place in the solos final and 13-year-old Roni Lacey, of Wolverley High School, took the runner-up spot in the under-14 section.

Nine-year-old Lucinda Poulsen and her 11-year old sister, Annabelle, who are both pupils at Comberton Middle School, also competed in the contest. Lucinda finished sixth in the under-10 champ class and Annabelle narrowly missed out on the finals.

Kerry Maddocks, who runs the dance school, said she was delighted with the dancers' performances.

She said: "The girls have all worked tremendously hard preparing for one of the hardest competitions in the calendar and their success has made it all worthwhile."

Expressions, which teaches a variety of dancing styles, caters for boys and girls aged two to 18, and anyone interested in joining can contact Kerry Maddocks on 0121 243 1877.