A TALENTED dancer's dream has come true with the opening of her own school in the heart of Greenock.

Ainslee McDade, who is about to turn 21, has been dancing since she was only three years old.

She opened McDade School of Irish Dance, based at the Loreto Club, and it has taken off.

Ainslee said the opening fulfilled a lifelong ambition and felt 'brilliant'.

She said: "I've always wanted to be a dance teacher.

"It's a dream come true to have my own school.

"It gives the kids something to do, especially after lockdown."

The school currently has a total of 20 pupils on the books and it is open to children aged three and upwards.

Ainslee says Irish dancing is challenging because of all the different moves students have to learn.

She added: "It's good for co-ordination as well.

"River Dance and Michael Flatley have made Irish dancing so popular, especially with the release of Riverdance - The Animated Adventure."

As pandemic lockdown measures ease gradually, she hopes pupils will be able to take part in competitions from September.

Ainslee also has a global great on her team - Heather Kean, who is the World Champion under-21 Irish dancer.

Completing the coaching set-up is Amy Morrison, who has also been dancing from an early age.

Ainslee says they have had great help in getting the school up and running and is keen to acknowledge those who contributed.

She wants to thank DJ Stephen Connon for his donation to pay for new tracksuit tops and t-shirts and Logo'd in George Square for printing them.

Her classes run on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Loreto Club between 5 and 6pm for beginners.

Anyone who is interested in going along should contact Ainslee on Facebook or email ainsleemcdade@icloud.com