The girls – members of a Hunslet-based school of dancing – have won their way through to the elite Irish Dance World Championships and are off to Philadelphia.

Shannon, 13, from Middlestown, Wakefield, and Megan, 12, will fly out to the USA for the competition in April after qualifying through the regional heats in Southport.

Both girls are members of The Cassidy School of Irish Dancing, based at The Hunslet Club.

The girls' tutor Mary Wright, said: "I am extremely proud of both girls and all the dancers that competed in Southport and overall, we had some great results all weekend.

"Both girls have worked very hard and are a pleasure to teach, their enthus-iasm and dedicat-ion shone through on the day."

The girls are now preparing hard for their biggest challenge yet.

Megan said: "I danced my best after lots of practice for the hardest competition I've ever done. I was so surprised and shocked to go through."

Shannon added: "I couldn't believe it! I was so nervous and can't wait to go, I'm really looking forward to it."

The Hunslet Club has now started raising funds to pay for the girls' flights and accommodation.

The club is a youth centre in South Leeds which runs dancing, football, boxing, gymnastics, drama and fitness activities for young people aged four to 18.

Founded in 1940 it has nurtured the dance and drama talents of hundreds of young people and the sporting talents of champion-ship boxers, profess-ional footballers and rugby players.

The Club also runs a vocational education centre for over 380 year 10 and 11 students to gain qualifications in practical work-based skills.
The girls' parents are amazed at their achievements so far.

Megan's mum Sarah said: "She's been dancing since she was three and we're so thrilled at what she has done." Shannon's dad Paddy added. "Seeing her qualify for the world championships was the most emotional experience and the first time I've cried since seeing my children born.

"I now just want to see them do themselves proud."

Dennis Robbins, chief executive of The Hunslet Club, said: "Everyone
here is delighted about what these girls have achieved, they along with everyone who learn dancing at the club demonstrate that there is some amazing talent to be found in young people of South Leeds."

To help, contact funding officer Jason Slack at jslack@hunsletclub.org.uk or 0113 2716489.