A TROUPE of young Irish dancers from St Helens are preparing to compete for the title of World Champions later this year - and they want your help to do it.

The dancers are all pupils of the McNamara School of Irish Dancing run by sisters, Caitlin and Siobhan McNamara and based at St Joseph's Social Club in Sutton Road, Peasley Cross. The pair have been teaching for three years and this is the first time they have had a troupe competing in the World Irish Dancing Championships, due to be held in Belfast in April.

However, they now need to find enough money to cover the cost of the four-day trip and club member Kevin Meeghan, whose granddaughters, Alex and Jemma Baines are in the troupe, is doing his bit by organising fund-raising events.

Caitlin told the Star: "There are eight girls in the team, all under 13 and we qualified after coming third in the North West heats in Manchester. However, we need funds to cover the transport and accommodation for the girls and Kevin has been great in supporting us."

There will also be a sponsored walk on Sunday, February 13 starting from Newton Road, Billinge at 2.30pm and finishing at Carr Mill at 3.30pm.

And on Friday, March 3, another ceilidh will be held at St Joseph's Club at 8pm, admission £3.

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