AN award-winning dance troupe from Eastwood Academy is a step closer to performing at the London O2 Arena after winning a competition.

The 12-strong group won the British Red Cross’s “Make Your Move” competition and are now through to the East of England Regional final in July.

Clare Rand, head of dance at the academy, has been working with the youngsters, aged between 11 and 15, on the dance for the past nine weeks.

The six-minute performance was inspired by the work of the Red Cross in the wake of natural disasters, particularly a tsunami.

Mrs Rand said: “I am extremely proud of the group, they have put in so much hard work and effort.

“We are very lucky to have such talented students in the school and we have already beaten many other dance schools who train much more than us.

“The dance needs a little bit more polishing but they have a really good theme, so fingers crossed for the regional finals.”