A YOUNG Irish dancer from Trowbridge brought home two trophies and nine medals from the first ever international competition held in Dublin at the weekend.

Abigail Little, nine, was one of just 15 English children to take part in the event and came away with two second prizes and three third prizes for Wiltshire.

The two-day competition attracted 450 entrants on Saturday and 550 on Sunday, with youngsters from five-years-old to 17 taking part.

They competed in sections including light jigs, heavy jigs, hornpipes and Cil dancing.

Abigail's mum, Marion Little, said: "It was the best competition we had ever been to. The atmosphere reached you as soon as you entered the hall. All the children were in high spirits and our own were welcomed like old friends."

Abigail is one of about 30 pupils at the Sarah Moloney School of Irish Dancing, which meets every Saturday at The Clarendon School in Trowbridge.

The school was started in January last year and takes children from five years upwards.

Abigail wants to be a champion and travels to competitions all over the country but other children prefer to take part just for fun and each individual can choose if they want to enter competitions.

The school has places for more children and anyone interested can contact Mrs Little on (01225) 761550.