TWINKLE-toed youngsters from Swindon Academy of Dance are set to grace the boards in Bucharest to compete in the Dance World Cup Finals 2015.

Around 46 talented young dancers are off to the Romanian capital to take part in the Olympics of the dancing world, which kicks off this weekend.

The children will all represent England in the prestigious event, where they will face stiff competition from other talented rising stars from across the globe.

The Swindon Academy of Dance also has the additional privilege of having one of their students bearing the flag for Team GB at the finals.

A spokesman from the Swindon Dance Academy said it was a first for many of the dancers, having the opporunity to travel abroad to represent their country.

"This is an amazing achievement by the students who range from seven years to 18 years," he said.

"A very exciting time for them all not only travelling to Romania but also representing their country. The event is the equivalent to the Olympics of the sports world.

"Prior to the competition starting a huge Opening Ceremony is held where all the different countries parade around a stadium and then watch a fantastic show."

Georgia Bailey, one of Swindon Academy’s students, was specially selected to be the Flag Bearer and will lead the England team out before being presented to local dignitaries.

The spokesman said the selection was a huge honour.

"All the students have been religiously learning the National Anthem just in case they are successful in winning any gold medals," he said.

"Swindon Academy of Dance is the only school in Wiltshire to be lucky enough to have this large amount of successful students.

"The students being a credit to the excellent teaching staff and the fantastic support of their parents."

The group has had to raise the majority of the funds to pay for the trip themselves in a range of different fundraising events.

The spokesman added: "Lots of fundraising events have been held since hearing of their qualification to help raise funds for Team Kit, flights etcetera.

"We were very lucky to have received a very generous donation from Imagine Cruising too."