THREE pupils from Rogers Academy of Irish Dancing will represent the town when they head to the World Irish Dancing Championships this week.

Olivia Burns, 11, who attends St Gregory’s High School, Abi Reichinger, 15, and Abi Shrimpton, 16, qualified for the prestigious event after successful performances in the regional and then national qualifiers.

And now the dancers will take to the big stage on Sunday as they begin their World Championship routines in the USA.

Starting on Sunday, the week-long event will take place in Greensboro, North Carolina and is the 49th staging of the tournament.

Kieran Rogers, teacher at Rogers Academy, said: “I am delighted with the children’s performances and am thrilled to have the girls represent both the academy and region.

“I am also proud that the children will represent the region alongside the top ten percent of dancers from across the world.

“The children are dancing strong and I have high hopes on improvements compared to last year.”

As well as launching the academy in 2011 on his return to Warrington, Kieran is an international champion dancer and is delighted that every child will have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.

“Irish Dancing is not just about learning the art of the dance in a structured and social environment,” he said.

“It allows children and adults the opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle as well as developing new skills, confidence and most importantly have fun.”

Rogers Academy of Irish Dancing run classes in Warrington, Lymm and Irlam, and are launching new beginners’ classes on Monday evenings for children aged four and above.

A new season of Adult Ceili classes will also be launched at Richmond’s Club in Latchford on Thursday evenings, which is also open to beginners.

Further details on the availability of classes can be found via the Rogers Academy of Irish Dancing Facebook page or by calling 596505.