CHILDREN form Flintshire are to compete with performers from around the world at a forthcoming competition.

A total of 28 dancers from Buckley-based dance school Elsberdance will be representing Wales at this year’s Dance World Cup in Spain.

Rachel Catherall, Elsberdance principal, said: “We are extremely honoured to be representing Flintshire internationally once again.

"We have been based in Buckley and the surrounding area for 50 years and really hope our local towns can get behind us once again.

"We qualified for the Dance World Cup for the first-time in 2016 in Jersey. We were so proud to bring home two silver medals for Wales.

"Last year we qualified more dances and managed to come home with a gold and three bronze medals – over half the Welsh medal tally.

"This year we have qualified 22 pieces and are working really hard to do the Welsh team proud.

“The dancers all train at Elsberdance in Buckley. The selectors were really impressed with the standard shown by the students. They have chosen 11 solos, six groups and five duets and trios to compete for Team Wales in styles such as Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap and Jazz.

"Team Wales will be making their fourth appearance at Dance World Cup with a team of more than 100 dancers.

"Last year Team Wales had 80 dancers taking part and this year we are delighted that this has grown to over 100.

"We are thrilled to be joined by three other local schools this year and together, we hope to bring success to Flintshire."

Dance World Cup, which begins later this month, is the largest International dance competition for children.

More than 40 Countries across the world take part in this annual competition which is held in a different country each year. This year’s event is to be held in Sitges in Spain.

The Elsberdance entrants range from age 10 – 21 years and have been frantically fundraising to gather the £10,000 it will take to join the other 4500 dancers at the competition.

The school has held a number of events to raise the money including bag packing at various local supermarkets, a ‘Just Do It’ day in partnership with Nike Broughton, many raffles and Tombola’s, a plant sale, dance workshops, a scavenger hunt and a concert amongst many other events.

Rachel Catherall added: "We would like to thank all the local businesses who have supported us so far and donated prizes/money to our fund.

"Business interested in helping are asked to email info@elsberdance.co.uk"

She added the competition will be streamed live via the website www.dwcworld.com so everyone back home can watch the dancers performing.