TWO young dancers from Otley are celebrating after excelling in a national competition.

Eleven year old Jessica Heyburn and Paige Earnshaw, seven, both did well in the Celtic Association Irish Dance (CAID) British Open Championship.

The girls represented the Thompson Academy of Irish Dancing - better known as River Wharfe Irish Dancers - at the event in London in May.

Paige came first in her Heavy Reel championship dance, and is now the CAID British Open Champion for 2015.

Paige is a pupil at Ilkley's Westville House School and her headteacher Mrs Rosey James said: "“It is always wonderful when one of our pupils demonstrates such a high level of ability and we are delighted to be able to support her and watch her continued success as her dancing career continues”

Jessica, meanwhile, came in seventh in her Championship Heavy Reel which featured a strong field of 22 dancers.

Thompson Academy of Irish Dancing owner Sylvia Thompson said: "It was an amazing day for the girls and so well deserved as they both put so much time, effort and commitment into their Irish dancing."

Paige and Jessica are now in training for the CAID Scottish Open Championship, which takes place in Edinburgh in July.