STUDENTS from a Helensburgh dance school have returned triumphant from a dance festival in Canada.

The Margaret Rose School of Dance group exceeded the hopes and expectations of their teacher Margaret MacInnes at the Scotdance event.

Eilidh Gammons, aged nine, was crowned Canadian champion and also took seven gold medals, a silver and a bronze. She was also awarded best overseas dancer from New Zealand, Scotland and the USA.

The youngest competitor in the group, Ava King, won three bronze medals at the competition in Prince Edward Island.

Other group members also succeeded on the day with Anna Rose King bringing home a gold and three bronze medals, Chloe Pearce scooped two bronze medals, Skye Erith won a gold and four silver and a bronze medal, Catriona Gammons won three silver and four bronze and Rhiannon Charles won 5th pace in the 18 years championship line up, as well as seven medals.

Ms MacInnes said: “We had an amazing time and it was the biggest competition we have entered with 1,000 dancers and the Margaret Rose Dancers put Scotland on the map with amazing results.

“We are fund raiding already to go to Scotdance next year in Calgary, Alberta.”

Dancers Eilidh and Catriona Gammons defied their jet lag and went to compete in the all England Championships on their return.

Eilidh is now the 11 years and under All England Champion and Catriona was awarded fifth in the line up in the 15 and under section.