A TALENTED group of young dancers were '"ecstatic" over the weekend as they triumphed in their first national poms competition at Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool.

Exceeding everyone's expectations, the 12-16 age group from Studio 626 came out as winners at the GBBTA poms competition on Sunday, September 26.

The other age groups from the Parr-based studio also impressed judges and achieved runners-up in their dances, which included the baby section from ages 3-7, tots up to age 10, and tiny's up to age 12.

St Helens Star: The event took place at Norbreck Castle Hotel in BlackpoolThe event took place at Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool

The dance competition, which comprises of dance sequences with pom poms, usually occurs seven times a year but due to postponements and cancellations, took place in one huge dance event over the weekend.

As Studio 626 only opened in February 2019 and has experienced many difficulties with rehearsing during the pandemic, the group of dancers surprised everyone in what was their first national competition.

Studio principal Clare Metcalfe said: "We didn't expect to do so well. The girls were just incredible.

"I couldn't watch when they were announcing the results but the girls were screaming and crying. They were all ecstatic, it was just amazing."

St Helens Star: The group of dancers were "ecstatic" with their results and performanceThe group of dancers were "ecstatic" with their results and performance

With 37 years of experience in the dance industry, Clare, 44, opened a ballet studio in Parr to provide opportunities for young dancers in the area at affordable prices.

Despite having to operate online classes during the pandemic, the studio's work has taken on a further significance as they expanded into more avenues of dance such as poms.

Clare explained: "With the isolating aspect of lockdown, we really wanted way to keep kids being active and meet people from different schools.

"We want to stop children from being on the streets or getting bored at home, but also to create a safe, social environment to express themselves."

After the weekend's success, Clare encourages girls and boys of all albilities to come down and express themselves at their hub at Derbyshire Hill Family Centre.

the Parr based Studio 626

stamped their name on a national competition

have made their parents and teachers proud after winning and coming runners-up in their