A GROUP of Irish dancers from Witney have won top prizes in the first competition they have entered.

Eight girls from the Boyd School of Irish Dance took part in the McIerney Open Feis in Swindon last month against competitors from across the country.

They won in the under eights, under nines, under 10s, under 11s, under 12s and under 16 prelim championship categories.

The school, which runs a class of 24 people on Tuesday evenings in the Masonic Hall, Church Green, only started up in May.

Owner Ian Boyd said: “I am really pleased with them, especially considering in May they did not want to do competitions and just wanted to do it for fun, and that it was their first competition.

“To see the children come through the door five or six months ago and not be able to put one foot over the other and then to take them to their first competition, and not only do well but win, it makes me very proud to be their teacher.”

He added: “Irish dancing teaches kids some discipline and they make lots of new friends. ”

The school runs between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesdays. Contact Mr Boyd on 07979 045133.