DANCE group leaders say they shouldn't be penalised because of damage in the bar where they held their presentation.

Lisa Morris - who helps run Tyldesley based L&L Superstars which caters for five to 16 year-olds - was upset when management at Paddy's bar in Hindsford held on to a £25 deposit, even though she claims her group were not responsible for the damage.

But a Paddy's spokesman said they didn't charge for the hire of the room for such functions but asked for a £25 deposit which would be forfeited if any damage occurred. On that night he said pipes were torn from the gents' toilets which cost £100 to repair, holes were punched in a partition wall and a toilet seat was damaged.

He said: "It's simple. If there is any damage they don't get their money back. We put a £50 deposit on 18th and 21st birthday events because of the damage potential."

Ms Morris said: "The night was a real success, the children and young people really enjoyed their evening and so did the audience.

"We were very disappointed when the manager told us we could not have our deposit back because of damage in the toilets and in the corridor between the function room and lounge.

"On the night there were quite a few gate crashers who had come through from the lounge side of the bar, and the toilets we used are the same as used by the whole pub.

"We rely on money from Wigan Children's Fund, which supports a programme of preventative work with an emphasis on promoting social inclusion for children in the four to 13 age group.

"That £25 had to come out of our funding, that is enough for two pairs of dance shoes, or two or three costumes or a mini bus journey.

"We are a community voluntary group, trying our to give children and young people something to look forward to, build their self-esteem and encourage them to have aspirations. The funding we receive just about covers our expenses.

"We have performed at many different venues and have never caused damage anywhere, we have too much respect why would we start now?"