AN inspirational Inverclyde dance legend, who has been teaching youngsters for more than 70 years, was honoured at the Greenock Telegraph Community Champion Awards. 

May Hughes, 86, picked up the coveted Teacher of the Year title in recognition of her dedication to the young people of Inverclyde.

Inverclyde's 'grand dame' of dance started to show off her steps when she was just four years old when she took lessons with Lily Martin at Mearns Street church hall. 

May's contribution to the world of dance was celebrated in the Scottish Parliament last year when MSP Paul O'Kane laid down a motion at Holyrood in her honour.

The living legend said she was 'so shocked' to win the award and shed a tear when speaking to the Telegraph. 

May added: "I am absolutely overwhelmed. I didn't know I was a finalist until the girls told me on Monday. 

"It's great to know how much I mean to people. The kids are the best thing about what I do 

"They work so hard for me. I just love teaching and I'll always keep doing it."

May attended the ceremony with her daughters Sharon and Carolynn. 

The girls have followed in their mum's footsteps and teach at the dance school in Baker Street in Greenock. 

Sharon said May is very humble about what she's achieved and about just how much of an impact she's had on the people of Inverclyde. 

She added: "We're very proud of mum. She doesn't realise just how much she's given to the community over the years. 

"She just loves teaching and takes it all in her stride.

"She doesn't think she deserves anything but she's the best mum ever and she deserves everything."