A DETERMINED group of local dancers are ready to compete in a worldwide competition in honour of their late friend.

A total of 19 girls from Lucy's Dance Academy, run by Lucy Broadfoot, will be performing in the World Lyrical Dance Federation championships in July.

The youngsters, all aged seven to 15, will be taking part in honour of late Port Glasgow teenager Cerys Reeve who was a member at the dance school.

The young dancer, who tragically died at the age of 14 last July, was to compete alongside her friends in the global dance competition.

The team are determined to do Cerys proud and rehearsing hard for the big event.

Lucy, 33, told the Tele: "The girls all work so hard and are all incredibly talented.

"Many of them hold world and UK titles already.

"Competitions have been very different due to Covid-19 - most of them have been online and pre-recorded routines from the studio.

"We had hoped to travel to Ireland where this one was supposed to be held, but we will make the most of it and I know the girls will do exceptionally well."

The dancers rehearse at Parkview Studios on Greenock's Duff Street and around 100 students learn ballet, jazz, acrobatics, hip hop and freestyle from Lucy and her sister, Hayley Broadfoot.

Top students will also be taking part in the Scottish Championships next month.

Lucy says losing Cerys left a 'huge void' in the dance school and they plan on doing something in her honour when restrictions finally allow.

The mum-of-two added: "It's been very difficult for the girls, as some of them have never lost anyone close to them before.

"We're such a tight knit group and we've all been really affected by losing Cerys.

"We're more like a family than a dance school.

"Before Covid-19 we'd have regular sleepovers in the studio and parents and children would regularly see each other outside of dancing.

"I'm looking forward to the year ahead and so proud of everything the dancers have achieved and continue to achieve."