A DANCING group — formed just 12 months ago — scooped three prizes in a national competition.

The Sally’s Rocking Rebels majorettes dance troupe, based in Morris Green, won awards in three different age categories at the Born To Dance Association competition, which took place in Dewsbury, Yorkshire.

The group, which was represented by 36 children, was up against eight other troupes from across the country.

Its ‘babies’, who are aged six and under, came first in the baby dance twirl, its ‘dinkies’, aged seven to nine, came second in the cheerleading and its seniors, aged 16 and over, came third in the dance twirl.

Joanne Gavin, leader of the troupe, said: “I didn’t expect us to win anything. We told the children just to have fun and get a flavour for the competition.

“I’ve never been so shocked in my life as when I found out we’d won three awards — I cried.”

The troupe has around 40 members, whose ages range from three to 22.

It holds training sessions every Thursday night at The Salvation Army Hall in Oldham Street, Morris Green.