Six-year-old Rishworth dancer to represent England on global stage

Lilly Stead started dancing at the age of two at the Dance Mill in Halifax and now attends the Cheshire Theatre School in Stockport where she has lessons in ballet, tap and modern.

She is now part of a team from the school busy rehearsing and fund-raising to represent their country at what is the largest international dance competition in the world for dancers aged between five and 24.

The talented youngsters will compete against dance schools from across the globe in the hope of being crowned champions.

Only the top dance schools in the country are chosen to represent Team England, which makes it a huge honour for the pupil of St John’s Primary School in Rishworth. Lilly has already proved her worth by beating off stiff competition to be named in the squad, after receiving Distinctions in all of her dance exams so far.

Over the coming weeks, Lilly will be concentrating on rehearsing and training hard - and also raising funds to help towards transport, accommodation and equipment.

Proud mum Jenny said: “Lilly is so excited to have been selected and can’t wait to perform on the global stage.

“We are desperately seeking funding to help meet the costs of travel and accommodation.”

A ‘Just Giving’ page has been set up and anyone who can help Lilly bring the medal back home is asked to visit www.justgiving.com