A DANCE crew stepped up to receive the Stonehouse Community Group of the Year award thanks to their fancy footwork.

The award-winning group originally met at Stonehouse Youth Club but became known as Itchy Feet 22 years ago when Heather Morgan joined as a parent volunteer.

It was recently named as Community Group of the Year in the Stonehouse Town Council Civic Awards.

The dance company can be traced back to 1978 when founder Diane King began dancing with friends at Stonehouse Youth Club as a teenager – she was later joined by Heather – and their partnership underpins the success of the group.

Over the years, the dancers have achieved national recognition, representing Stonehouse in competitions in Plymouth, Birmingham, London and Manchester as well as performing in front of royalty and on national television. Many former members are now dancing professionally and Diane’s eldest daughter, Jaye Marshall, has even performed in the West End. One hundred and twenty young people are currently involved. It meets at Morley Hall on Thursday and Sunday evenings. For further details call Zoe Stanton on 0775 344 8388. Classes run from 4.30pm to 9pm depending on age.

Also in the awards, Business of the Year went to Feel Good Factor Boy with James Lauchlan, 15, named Young Person of the Year.