YOUNGSTERS from a County Durham dance school have proved their talent by collecting 17 first places at a competition.

Six of the young dancers, from Nicola's Hall of Dance in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, won 13 trophies between them.

They were, pictured from left, front, Daisy May Wade, Hollie Tennick and Katherine Horsman, back, Rebecca and Alexander Nicholson and Charlotte Durant.

Dance teacher Nicola Hall said it was the best the school had ever done in the competition, held at Eastbourne School, Darlington, over two weekends.

She said: "They all did very well and I was pleased with them.''

The school also came away from the Born to Dance Festival with 19 second places, 13 third places and five fourth places