A DANCE leader with Down’s Syndrome who faced years of rejection is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with her troupe.

Jen Blackwell, who also had a short film about her journey with dance shown at the HOME cinema in Manchester, will perform at the festival in August.

The 35-year-old from Chorley has been dancing since she could walk but found it difficult to find opportunities to train and work in the industry.

After spending 10 years knocking on doors and being rejected, Miss Blackwell and her family decided to take matters into their own hands and set up a community dance project in 2009.

DanceSyndrome is now an award-winning charity and hosts workshops across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

The short film Superabled, by filmmaker Natalie Kennedy, was shown to a packed audience at HOME before the main feature Down and Out – about brotherhood, independence and disability.

DanceSyndrome also performed at the after-show party.

Miss Blackwell, who won Inspirational Women of the Year award in 2015 at the Enterprise Vision Awards, said: “It was amazing to be at HOME with my friends and family.

“My dreams are coming true and I am looking forward to Edinburgh Fringe festival.

“Dancing is my life.”

Miss Blackwell, along with the rest of DanceSyndrome, is now preparing for Edinburgh Fringe Festival with rehearsals and fundraising activities.

Her parents, Sue and Malcolm Blackwell, said they are very proud of her achievements.