A TRIO of bonnie bravehearts are stepping forward to teach the next generation of local Highland dancers.

Teenagers Isla McGregor and Abbi McDermid, both 16, are pupils at Jackson Studios in Greenock and have recently passed their Highland Dancing Associate Teacher exam

They are joined by Vikki Warnock, 26, who passed her Membership Teacher exam, which means she is also now officially qualified to bring on top new talent.

Isla, who attends St Columba's High School, said: "I was very happy to pass.

"I always help out with the wee ones on Mondays and Wednesdays and now I can do more of that."

Abbi, a pupil at Notre Dame, added: "I'm really pleased. I've been coming here since I was two, so this seems the next logical step for me."

Linda said: "Isla and Abbi come in every week to help and 16 is the youngest age you can sit the test. They have been juggling studying for that and their schoolwork.

"There is so much theory and hard work involved and all three of them passed with flying colours. I am so proud."

Vikki, 26, from Gourock, was taught by Linda until she was 20 and left to attend university.

She has a BA in Professional Musical Theatre and is now a freelance choreographer, as well as performing regularly with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Vikki said: ""I'm enjoying a brilliant career - and it all started here.

"I was only a tot when I first walked through the doors and have learned so much. I'm delighted to be able to pass that on to the next generation of Inverclyde talent."

Vikki is also busy choreographing the forthcoming Albany production of School of Rock.

She said: "I love what I do. I love to walk into a class, work with the pupils and watch them gradually improve.

"There's a sense of achievement to that.

"When you do the choreography for a show, it is great to then get to see it on stage all coming together."

Linda says the next generation of dancers are in safe hands.

She added: "I think what Vikki has achieved is fabulous but I knew when I taught her that she had that star quality.

"I am very proud of all my students, they all work very hard and this shows that it pays off."