A little touch of Strictly magic sparkled in Ellistown last week when a ballroom dance school held its first ever awards evening and dance showcase.

The students of Venture Dance School were all highly commended, the top grading possible, in their recent National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD) exams.

Proud teachers Kirsty Murdock and Mandy Edwards handed out the awards to their pupils.

Venture principal Kirsty had dreamt of setting up a dance school with her best friend Amy Richards.

But sadly Amy passed away last year.

So now a trophy in her name will be given to the highest scoring medallist after each round of exams, with Tianna Murdock announced as the first recipient with her score of 93.

Kirsty said: "I started ballroom and Latin dancing around 25 years ago, competing regularly and teaching children and adults from around the age of 18.

"This is where I met Amy.

"We grew up together through dancing, and it was always our aspiration to open our own school.

"After Amy passed away in 2020, I wanted to keep her memory alive and push to make our dream come true, so Venture Dance School was born.

"We started off small, but have been growing ever since.

"Our next goals are to continue with medal examinations, start taking part in ballroom and Latin competitions and to start ballroom and Latin adult classes."

Classes are held at Ellistown Working Men's Club on Thursday evenings.

Spaces are available in children's classes from the age of 5 and adult classes will begin in the New Year.

Visit Venture Dance School's Facebook page to find out more.