THREE Irish dancing students sparkled in their frilly dresses and immaculately curled hair when they went head-to-head against more than 1,500 other dancers and jigged their way to a world championship competition.

Youngsters Marcie Brown, nine, a pupil at South Marston School, Megan Hobbs, 15, from Ridgeway School and Nichole Clayton, 15, from Nova Hreod, were thrilled to find out last year they had qualified for the World Irish Dance Association’s European and World Championships.

And after months of practise with their teacher Vicky Williams of VW Irish Dancing Swindon, the trio were finally able to see the fruits of their labour as they headed to Brighton recently to compete against dancers who had travelled from as far as America, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Russia and Singapore.

They all had to dance in solo and group performances and get through a number of rounds to earn their stripes.

Megan and Nichole competed in the Under 16 European Championships while Marcie, who has been dancing with VW Irish Dancing since she was four, competed in the Under 9 European Championships.

Vicky, who has been glowing with pride at the girls’ success, said: “Overall in the European Championships Megan placed 14th and Nichole 11th. Everyone was on cloud nine after placing so well at the biggest competition they had ever danced in.”

Having taken on the European championship during the four day event, the pair then had their eyes on the world championships and Nichole scooped 8th place while Megan was placed 17th.

Marcie also left her family bursting with pride after competing against 19 other dancers and winning 5th place in her category.

Vicky added: “All of the dancers on top of their normal classes had been doing extra hours and hours of extra training to prepare for the event.

"Marcie danced her three rounds fantastically. She was placed 5th in her first round and 3rd in her second round and 5th overall.

“All the dancers, family and friends from VW Irish Dancing are extremely proud of their achievements.

"For these three dancers their achievements at such event are going to be lasting memories for years to come."