TWO hundred young dancers are putting their best feet forward at Nelson Festival which began at the weekend.

The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday and with more than 1,000 entries over the four days itis in good heart. Secretary Muriel Mutter said the only problem was that with the festival being reduced from five days to four, classes were being crammed in and lasting until after 9pm.

She added: "In fact we have a few more entrants and entries than we had last year."

Dancers from all over East Lancashire and as far apart as Bradford and St Helens are taking part. The event is being staged at the Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, Colne, and competing are girls and boys aged from five years to 21.

The competitive classes range from classical ballet to modern dance.

The show goes on this coming Saturday and Sunday. All day tickets are £2 (£1 concessions) and for evening sessions from 4pm 75p.

Members of the Debra McLaren School of Dancing from Rawtenstall are pictured ready to take part in the classical section. From the left, Amber Preston, Alison Pickup, Holly Bingham, Caitlin Davies and Vicky Walker.

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