PICTURE GALLERY: Sister act - Irish dancing success!

TWO sisters from Ballymoney, who set up the Laverty School of Irish Dancing three years ago, say that it is going from strength to strength.

Melissa and Nicola Laverty, both champion dancers themselves, run the school which is aimed at children from the ages of three to 18.

It currently has around 40 pupils, and hopes to expand this number after the successful second annual Irish Dancing Festival held last weekend.

On Saturday, the Laverty School of Irish Dancing Class Festival attracted many families. The adjudicator was Miss Paula Reid and music was provided by Mrs Rosemary and friend.

The Championship Winner was Katie Owens and the Adjudicator's Choice was won by Niamh Donaghy, with Connie Wade winning the Most Outstanding Performance.

The age categories were "Tiny Tots", "Seven and Eight", "Nine and Ten", and "Over Elevens". The Tiny Tots Overall Winner was Niamh Gilmore and the Most Outstanding Tiny Tot was Zara Connor.

In the Seven and Eight category, Connie Wade won Best Overall, with Jude Marks taking the Most Promising Award. Shannon Scott was the Best Overall in the Nine and Ten category, and Most Promising was given to Shannon O'Kane.

Finally, in the Over 11 category Katie Owens won the Best Overall, with Kirsty Wallace winning Most Promising.

By all accounts the event built on the successes of the previous year's festival.

Melissa Laverty said: "It was another huge success. Everyone had a great time and really enjoyed themselves."

Nicola and Melissa would like to thank all parents for their support over this past year, and invite everyone to come along to the classes held on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5 to 6.30pm in the Social Centre at Edward Street.