AN Inverclyde dancing school with world champions on the books will send a squad of cheerleaders on a transatlantic trip to fly the flag for Scotland for the third year in a row.
Dancemania and DM Diamondz, based in Gourock, are putting Inverclyde on the map as a record number of girls from the school are selected for Team Scotland at the International Cheer Union world championships in Florida next year.
Erin Houston and her cousin Eva Campbell, who were part of the world beating Adaptive Abilities Pom team last year, are leading a six-strong team from the Diamondz this time round.
Ten-year-old Emma McBride, the youngest of the girls, says watching her friends come home from previous editions as world champions has inspired her to give it a go.
The girls are hoping the people of Inverclyde will back them as they start the fundraising campaign to get them there.
Reigning world champion Erin, from Hay Street in Greenock, is determined to do the double.
She said: "It was a dream to be in the same team as my cousin Eva and dance together for Team Scotland and go on and win it.
"It was an amazing feeling.
"To stand there when they play our national anthem and be part of it is just the best feeling.
"I can't wait to do it all again next year."
Erin, a business support assistant, has been dancing all her life, going from the office to the studio to dance and coach younger dancers.
This will be the third time she has represented Scotland on the global stage.
Last time out Erin was joined by her cousin Eva, who is a Tele Community Champion, and team-mate Megan Clarke in the pom team which triumphed at the 'worlds'.
They were joined by Diamondz dancing teacher Gemma Campbell Alexander, who served as Team Scotland assistant coach.
The girls from the dancing school have made it through rigorous auditions to represent Team Scotland in different disciplines.
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Four other members of the dance school are competing in either cheerleading or hip hop.
They are Hayley Casement, 17, Luna McGuiness, 16, Lily Brown, 11, and Emma McBride, 10.
Erin added: "It is going to be an experience of a lifetime for them all.
"I will be encouraging the girls to enjoy everyone minute, take it all in and soak up the experience.
One of the newcomers on the world stage is Emma, who is competing in the youth cheerleading team.
She said: "I loved watching the girls, they have inspired me. I am so excited and want to do my best."
The countdown to next year's big event begins with the girls giving up their weekends to practice with the national team.
Meanwhile the dance school is now busy fundraising and looking for sponsors to help the girls meet some of the costs of the American adventure.
Dancemania and DM Diamondz dancing teacher Ann Marie Campbell said: "We look to raise as much money as possible to help the girls cover the costs. It is about £3,000 each, so we want to help in whatever way we can."
They are kicking the appeal off with a race night in October.
Anyone who can help with raffle prizes or sponsor the girls is urged to get in touch via the Dancemania and DM Diamondz Facebook page.
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