Bonnie braveheart will be living the American dream by heading to the bright lights of Las Vegas

Isabella Hay, who is only seven, is taking part in the US Scottish Highland Dance National Championships.

The youngster is a pupil at Jackson Dance Academy and is looking forward to her fabulous transatlantic trip.

She said: "I'm looking forward to making new friends and going into the hotel pool.

"I think it will be fun."

The youngster has been a pupil at Jackson Dance Academy since she was just over three years old and attends the school four nights a week, including stage classes.

Isabella lives with her parents Mariann and John in Kingston Dock and they will spend a week in Las Vegas and a week in Mexico.

Mariann, a quality manager for Siemens, said: "We thought we would combine it with our holiday as well.

"A few of Isabella's friends from the Jacqueline Deeney School of Dance in Port Glasgow were going so we decided to register for it.

"We're all staying in the same resort and spa.

"It's an experience and a challenge especially with Isabella being so young.

"The Americans know how to put on a competition.

"My niece Neve who is turning 14 when we are away is coming along to support us."

Isabella is already performing at premiere level in Highland Dancing, which is the top grade, and was recently placed fourth in a big competition in Newcastle.

She won a song and dance competition at the Renfrewshire Festival, the first time she had competed.

The championship starts on July 19 and Isabella will compete in four national dances in the premiership and four highland dances in the championships on Sunday July21.

Dance teacher Linda Jackson said: "Isabella works extremely hard and this is a fantastic opportunity to compete in another country.

"She danced at the Sweden International Tattoo two years ago which I choreographed but she has never taken part in a competition abroad."