JUNIOR dancing stars used all the right steps to win top prizes at one of the North West's most prestigious dancing competitions. And now they want to use their award-winning moves to help raise money for charity.

Five ballerinas from the Dance Factory in Blackburn impressed the judges at the Blackpool Dance Festival to win a clutch of first and second prizes.

Amber Munro, seven, Anysia Bramante-Wareing, five, and nine-year-olds Louise Wood and Ruth Jeffrey all won ballet prizes.

Louise Wood also won a song and dance prize, and Rebecca Marsh, 10, came second in the jazz competition.

Their dance teacher Joy Wareing said: "I am really proud of them. The competition is one of the most prestigious in the North West and dancers travel from as far away as Leicester to compete in it. We are all thrilled."

Now the youngsters and their pals at the dance school want to use their talents to cheer up old folk and charity groups -- free of charge.

As well as training for competitions, the dancers school have also managed to find time to put on shows for local charities, including the Red Brick Theatre.

Joy said: "We have done three charity shows now at King George's Hall, the Red Brick Theatre and St Mary's College and they were fantastic. The children really enjoy doing the shows and it helps them get extra practice in.

"Some of the dancers have won competitions right across the country and are of a professional standard, just as good as you would see on television. I know charities don't have much money and they may struggle to find entertainment for any fund-raising functions. We would be glad to help them out and they will be getting a fantastic professional show.

"We do all sorts of routines that suit all ages groups, from Britney Spears to classical ballet. We don't mind where we perform, whether it is a working men's club, an old people's home or a theatre, as long as there is plenty of room and supervision."

To get in touch with Joy call 01254 728358.

Pictured (from left) are Rebecca Marsh, Amber Munro, Louise Wood, Anysia Bramante-Wareing and Ruth Jeffrey from Blackburn's Dance Factory