FLEET-FOOTED dancers swept the boards at major competition in England.

Students from Lucy's Dance Academy came back with no fewer than eight first prizes at the World Lyrical Dance Federation championships which were held in Newcastle.

They finished first in the under six, under eight, under 10, under 12 and under 14 categories and in two duet sections.

Dance teacher Lucy Robertson, whose classes are based at The Old Auction Rooms in West Stewart Street, said: "They are all UK champions and they won a few more firsts at the Kingdom Championships in Dunfermline too.

"I am so proud of all my dancers.

"A few of them had never danced before coming to the academy.

"It's amazing to see them come on and work together.

"Sophie Cameron, who won first place in the under 10 section, only started dancing six months ago and she has won every single competition she has gone for."

Lucy says her classes are full and cites television's Dance Mums show for making it so popular.

She said: "All the mums are quite close knit and are friends and they all watch Dance Mums.

"We're like a big family, we have sleepovers in the hall and are having one for Halloween."

Lucy says the girls she is teaching work very hard and their dedication is paying off.

She said: "Most girls come six days week so it's a big commitment, financially and time wise.

"They come every day Monday to Saturday."

The dance school has a competition team of 24 and 120 students overall and teaches ballet, jazz, acrobatics, hip hop and freestyle.

The top students can now take part in the Dancer of the Year competition which takes place in Dublin.

Lucy said: "Only those who have won a first place can take part, so they will be competing against the best in the world - dancers from Canada, South Africa, England and Ireland."

The dancers are also looking forward to taking part in their first show, which is being held at the Beacon Arts Centre in February.

Lucy said: "We sold 700 tickets within two hours."

The list of winners from the dance school is as follows: Sophia Deak (under six), Amylia Cameron (under eight), Sophie Cameron (under 10), Analiegh Lunan and Abigail Sinnamon (under 12 duet), Sarah James (under 14) and Sarah James and Hayleigh Farr (under 14 duet).