A GROUP of Irish dancers from Witney has won top prizes in its first competition.

Eight girls from the Boyd School of Irish Dance took part in the McIerney Open Feis in Swindon last month against competitors from all over the UK.

The school, which runs a class of 24 people on Tuesday evenings at the Masonic Hall, on Church Green, was launched in May.

Owner Ian Boyd said: “I’m really, really pleased with them, especially considering in May they didn’t want to do competitions and just wanted to do it for fun.

“To see the children come through the door five or six months ago and not be able to put one foot over the other and then to take them to their first competition and not only do well but win, it makes me very proud to be their teacher.”

Mr Boyd is pictured with, back, from second left, Roisin Seacole, 13, Scarlett Forest,13, Ella Scarffe, 11, Laura Bishop, 13; front, Megan Barry, 11, Sophie Mailler, eight, Olivia Walker, eight, and Brooke Rusher, nine.

The school runs between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesdays. For more information, call Mr Boyd on 07979 045133.