CELEBRATIONS were in the air as a trio of Darwen dancers picked up a trophy as well as gold medals in a national dance competition.

Camilla Sadaghna, 15, her sister Vanessa, 13, and their pal Gemma Marr, 14, won gold medals for their funky jazz routine in the senior cabaret trio section, and a trophy for the highest aggregate mark overall, during the Burnley Stage Dance Festival at Burnley Mechanics.

They are all pupils at the Dance Factory, York Terrace, Feniscowles, which has been open for just over a year and they all live in Darwen.

Dancers from all over the country competed against each other in different categories, including four trio sections; junior cabaret and junior classical for under 12s, senior cabaret and senior classical, for 13s and over.

Sisters Camilla and Vanessa also won bronze medals in the senior duet section for over 13s.

Joy Wareing, principal at the Dance Factory, said: "It was a great result, particularly because Vanessa and Gemma have only been dancing for 12 months.

"It is a nice first year anniversary achievement, and it shows they've reached excellent standards."

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