A GROUP of young dancers from Otley are celebrating success at a major Irish dance competition.

Four members of the Thompson Academy of Irish Dancing travelled to Clacton On Sea to take part in the CAID (Celtic Association Irish Dance) European Championships in November.

Jessica Heyburn took first place in the Age 11 Championship, with Gracie Horner-Glister taking the runners-up spot in the Age 7 event.

There were also good showings for Scott Miller, who came second in the Boys Championship, and Paige Earnshaw, who was sixth in the Age 7 Primary Grade class.

Dance academy owner, Sylvia Thompson, said: "We travelled with four dancers to this major event in the Irish dance calendar and came home with fantastic results.

"In Jessica's Championship competition there were 33 dancers, so it was a great achievement for her."

Jessica has now qualified to compete in the CRDM World Championship in Ireland next year.

Paige, meanwhile, won her Heavy Reel Championship at the CRG World Qualifiers last weekend and has qualified to compete at their Worlds competition – also being staged in Ireland – in 2016.

The Thompson Academy of Irish Dancing, also known as River Wharfe Irish Dancers, will start a new beginners' class in the NewYear. Call 07703 724730 for more details.