YOUNGSTERS from Darwen are set to represent England in an international dance competition.

Marika Gouldthorpe and Alleesha Sinclair-Johnson, both 11, will compete in four different styles at the Dance World Cup in Germany later this year.

The two girls will be showing off their talents as part of a group in musical theatre, pop, acro and lyrical styles of dance against countries such as China and the USA.

Marika began dancing at the age of four but only started training in some of the styles three years ago.

Alleesha meanwhile only began her training in 2013.

Marika’s mum Jennifer said she couldn’t be any prouder of what they have achieved.

She said: “They both work so hard and they are still so young.

“They give up birthday parties and after school clubs and days out because they both want to go to Germany and do well.

“Getting into this competition has been an ambition for the girls for a long time. It’s like the Olympics of the dance world.

“They are both so excited.”

Marika said: “I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

“I love dancing as its a way I can express myself.”

Both girls now attend The Kelly Shirley School of Dance in Burscough after starting off their training in their hometown.

They got invited to be members of the school’s world class competition squad from their initial assessment and have trained between 15 and 30 hours a week in all genres since then.

They are both having to self fund the trip to Germany, costing around £1,000 each.

Mrs Gouldthorpe is hoping some Darwen businesses may sponsor them to help with the cost.

She said: “The trip is costing quite a lot so I’m hoping there might be some people out there who will offer sponsorship.

“Any sort of donations would be so helpful to them.”

Jane Smithies, Alleesha’s mum, said: “It really is quite an achievement for them.

“They go all sorts of places to train sometimes and we often sit in the car for hours and wait for them to come out.”