IRISH dancers from the North-East will perform a few jigs of delight to celebrate their success in the recent world championships.

A party is being organised by Irish dance champion, Kelly Hendry, to mark the achievements of talented pupils from her dance school, in Gateshead.

Competing against the best traditional Irish dancers from across the world, the Kelly Hendry troupe returned with 19 medals from the championships, in Philadelphia, US.

The haul included golds for the eight-strong junior celidh team, of Jennifer McHugh, Paige Thompson, Jade Morris, Laura Giddins, Laura Baty, Dani Stafford, Rebecca Dawson and Samantha Morton.

Following three days of intense competition they were judged best from 140 teams by the five adjudicators.

Notable solo performances came from Craig Mason, who was second in the men’s 18-19 category, Victoria Thornley, eighth in the female 16-17 section, and Chloe Marsh, tenth at 15-16 level.

Another creditable achievement was an eighth place finish for the senior ceilidh team.

Ms Hendry is a former world individual gold medallist, achieving success as a 16-yearold at the championships, in Galway, Ireland, in 1997.

She settled back in the North- East and set up her dance school three years ago and now stages classes at venues across the region most week nights.

Ms Hendry’s mother Kathleen, who helped organise the trip to the US said the dancers were looking forward to the party before getting back to hard work on the dance floor.

Youngsters interested in taking up Irish dancing can visit the school’s website on kellyhendryschool.com.dancing