Four children will leave for the European Hip Hop Dance Championships on Friday with an extra spring in their step. The talented teeny boppers have raised more than £1,000 towards ensuring other children can follow their footsteps on to the world dance stage.

Kada Marshall, 10, Levon De Silva, 13, Elise Claire, 13, and Latysha Harrison, 11, performed with classmates from KC’s School of Dance to raise £500 on Saturday night.

The junior dancers had also picked up more than £500 through a street performance in Cowley and bag packing in Sainsbury’s in Heyford Hill.

The money will be used to help pay the costs of children and their families who travel from Oxford to future European and World Dance Championships.

On Friday the quartet will travel to Denmark to pit their skills against the best dancers from Germany, France and Holland in solo and pairs street dance contests.

Kada, from Nowell Road, Rose Hill, said: "We were happy with the fundraising because we felt we had done a good job.

"I am really excited. I am nervous but we have already conquered the world championships and the European event is smaller.

"I am just going to get out there and do my best, especially on Sunday because that is my birthday."

Her mum Jennifer said: "I am more nervous than Kada. I am really pleased for her but I am so nervous I have got butterflies in my stomach."

The group’s latest fundraising effort saw them take over the Holy Family Church in Cuddesdon Way for the night.

They ran through their routines in front of 60 people and also organised a ‘spitting’ competition — where boys from Blackbird Leys demonstrated their rapping skills.

Kelly Chandlerall corr, the children’s dance teacher, said: "It was really good. The money will make a huge difference. Everyone was on great form and there was a great atmosphere."

All four of the team have represented England in previous World Hip Hop Dance Championships.

But this weekend’s contest will be the first time they have tried their luck in the European event.

They will be judged on two minute routines involving moves including 'the freeze' and 'body pops'.

Ms Chandler said: "We are going not knowing what to expect but it will be a brilliant experience. They are nervous and excited at the same time."