A TEENAGE girl who has been leading dance classes in her street during the coronavirus lockdown is in the running to be named Britain's Best Neighbour.

Katie Forrest, from Great Sankey, teaches her neighbours a new dance every day at 11am.

Warrington Guardian:

The 15-year-old has now been nominated for the Telegraph's Britain's Best Neighbour Award – and has made the shortlist for the final three.

She said: "I think it’s amazing.

"Everyone around the country is doing all different things for each other, so I just think it’s really nice to be recognised for what I’m doing.

“It’s something that I love, just to make sure everyone gets involved and everyone’s happy.”

Katie's dance sessions are often themed, with VE Day seeing her teach a 1940s jive and neighbours requesting moves soundtracked by the likes of George Ezra and Queen – as well as Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline.

They regularly attract around 30 participants aged as young as two per day.

Warrington Guardian:

Mum Sue says she is 'really proud' of her daughter – a member of Warrington Gymnastics Club – for bringing the street closer together during lockdown.

The 46-year-old added: "We all obviously know each other, but it’s made such a difference – it's just completely changed.

“Now, everyone stays out after the dances and checks on each other."

And the street has also been raising funds for Smile for ME as part of its daily dances.

Katie's younger sister Lucie suffers from ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.

The family attends the Millions Missing event in Manchester every year, which sees participants place a pair of shoes in Piccadilly Gardens – symbolising how different the lives of those with the condition are.

This year, with the annual event cancelled due to Covid-19, their neighbours each placed a pair of shoes on the Forrests' driveway.

Katie then led a marathon 10-song session for 45 minutes, with donations collected for Smile for ME.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Gymnastics Club's operations manager Mandi Mellor added: "Katie is such a good role model.

"She’s a godsend here – she inspires others, and she’s a real asset to the community."