A TEN-year-old from Richmond will be taking on the best in the world when she keeps a date in Ireland next year.

Bethan Andrews finished second in her age group at the North-East Irish Dance Championships in Gateshead at the weekend.

But, although she was disappointed to be pipped by only ten points on Saturday, her performance was still good enough to ensure she qualified for the World Finals and she will be among the dancers heading for Killarney on April 11.

"We are really proud of her," said her mother Tracey who, along with her husband Tim and daughters Catherine and Carys, watched Bethan in action on Saturday.

"She worked really hard and it was what she really wanted, she can be really focused when she wants to be."

Bethan is a member of the Clann na Gael dance group at Catterick Garrison and dances three times a week.

She started when she was seven and was immediately bitten by the bug.

"She loves it," said Mrs Andrews. "She's a girl so maybe it may have something to do with the costumes, but she's always been energetic and she loves a challenge."