A PAIR of Irish dancing superstars came home feeling on top of the world following an international championship held in Germany.

For Port Glasgow's Ainslee McDade it was an emotional final farewell as she stepped off the competitive stage for the last time with a top four place - while her friend and fellow coach Amy Morrison from Greenock was crowned world champion.

Ainslee, 22, who has competed all over the world, has decided to hang up her shoes to focus on nurturing stars of the future at her own dance school in Greenock.

On their return all the girls at the McDade School of Irish Dance came together to help the duo celebrate.

Ainslee, who is studying social work at university, said: "I have been dancing for 20 years and it is has been my life since I was two years old.

"I have travelled all over the world, met so many friends and had the best times.

"I took over the dance school and I absolutely love every minute of it.

"I want to concentrate on that no, I love teaching all the girls."

The former St Stephen's High School pupil is helped by Amy, 19, who is now the world champion after finishing in top place.

Nursing student Amy, a former pupil at Notre Dame, said: "It was amazing out there and I am so delighted to take first place.

"I also love helping out with Ainslee's school."

They were competing in the World Irish Dance Association Championships 2022 which took place in Moers last month.

Ainslee took over the dance school from her own teacher Maureen Onesti and it has gone from strength to strength, with 30 students now on the books.

Mum Samantha Lang, whose daughter Brogan is part of the school, said: "We wanted to do something to mark Ainslee's last competition.

"She is an incredible dancer but she is also a brilliant teacher and goes above and beyond for all the girls.

"There are girls coming from all over the place to go to this dance school.

"We just want to thank her for all she does and celebrate her dancing achievements."