A FORMER Hermitage Academy pupil is celebrating after winning a major Scottish tap dancing championship.

Katie Ward secured the Central Scotland Tap Championship title after winning in her last time in the competition at the weekend.

The 17-year-old has been involved in all types of stage dancing since she was a toddler, as well as musical theatre, and has enjoyed a successful year to date.

She placed fifth in the senior modern championships and was the overall section winner last week, while she was the overall winner of the senior section at the Edinburgh Festival in August.

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Katie also finished in the top six of three finals at the Scottish Championships last Easter for ballet, tap and modern dance.

The Johnstone Academy of Dance pupil was offered a place at the prestigious Urdang Academy in London and also Performers College outside London last year, but due to her age didn’t take up the positions.

Mum Jenny said her young star will be auditioning again this year and she is proud of her achievements so far.

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"I’m actually still in shock," she said.

"What a totally amazing moment, so so proud of her hard work.

"Thank you to all her teachers, Yvonne Johnstone and Becky Frew for all your hard work and support.

"Thank you to everyone that has messaged Katie and me; it’s been quite an emotional day to say the least.

"And lastly thank you Miss Jan Sutherland for all the years, baby to senior, at this fab festival, you totally outdid yourself this year, the stage looked totally amazing, thank you for an amazing festival."

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