STUDENTS from Crediton-based Charles Academy of Dance excelled at the recent North Devon Performing Arts Festival.

The event, in Bideford during half-term, saw students from all over Devon compete in various dance classes, including ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, character and improvisation.

Students from the Charles Academy of Dance scooped a number of first, second, third and fourth placings, and achieved marks to make the dance school very proud.

Charlotte Wareham had a remarkable year, winning the trophy for the most promising female dancer of the festival.

The 14-year-old also won classical improvisation and two modern duets, and was placed second for her character, modern, ballet and lyrical solos, and third for modern improvisation.

She and fellow pupil Hazel Sturgess, also 14, picked up the highest mark given throughout the entire festival when they were awarded 89 for their modern duet. This dance won them the trophy for the best duet of the festival.

Other students, including Venezia Wilbourne, Elizabeth Way, Sarah Dickinson, Jade Woodstock and Georgia Harwood, performed brilliantly and achieved fantastic marks and placings throughout the week.

Dance school principal Amy Charles said: "I am extremely proud of all our students that competed in this year's competition.

"They all danced beautifully throughout the week and their focus, dedication and hard work was a real credit to the school. All of the girls should be very proud of themselves and the fantastic results they achieved."

Charles Academy of Dance opened in September last year and has gone from strength to strength.

The school was recently invited to perform in the Relays Festival of Extreme Sports and Performing Arts at the Eden Project.

The highly successful first year saw the school put on its first show at Exeter's Barnfield Theatre, and all pupils achieve outstanding Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) exam results.

The school has expanded its timetable of classes and introduced song and dance, musical theatre and contemporary dance classes.

For more information visit www.charlesacademy ofdance.co.uk or call 07920 180707.