A DUMBARTON dance sensation has received a call-up to the Scotland team for a high profile competition later this year in Lancashire.

Zoe McKell, aged 10, who attends Knoxland Primary School, is heading to Blackpool for the competition this coming August.

Zoe's nifty moves earned her a place on Team Scotland after starring in the fast and slow dance sections during a qualification period.

And now she's got an extra spring in her step after receiving national recognition.

Proud mum Marie-Claire said: "My daughter Zoe has just qualified to dance for Team Scotland at the International Dance Federation Challenge, in August, which will be held in Blackpool.

"She qualified to dance in the fast dance and slow dance sections and will now compete against contenders from England, Ireland, Wales and Norway."

And the recognition is well earned as the youngster has to train for at least 10 hours every week in order to perfect her routines- as well as juggling school work.

Marie-Claire said: "Zoe has been dancing with her current school Danceworkz, based in Pollock, for just over a year.

"And in that short year she has gained 12 championship titles!

"Zoe is trained by well known teacher Karen Brown who is known for producing UK Champions and World Champions.

"Zoe trains approximately 10 hours a week in dance and gymnastics, it's a lot of commitment with us travelling over an hour's trip to get to dancing twice a week.

"She is is delighted to represent team Scotland and can't wait to compete against the elite dancers from all over the country and Norway.

"The girls are competing every weekend in February, travelling to Newcastle, Edinburgh and Bridlington.

"And later in the year we will be travelling to Blackpool, Pwhelli in Wales and Dublin."

But Zoe is not the only one in the family who likes to strut her stuff on the dance floor.

Older sister Victoria, aged 12, is also an accomplished dancer, while younger sister Jessica, aged 6, is also a promising performer in her own right.

Marie-Claire said: "Zoe definitely takes after her sister Victoria and she's probably at the level Victoria was at previously.

"And Jessica is also making her way in the dance world too, so, as you can imagine, it's a very busy household with trips here, there and everywhere.

"Zoe started dancing as her older sister Victoria danced at Championship level and Zoe wanted to follow in her footsteps.

"Her younger sister Jessica now dances too, so the three of them practise constantly together."

Zoe is not the only West Dunbartonshire girl to be heading to Blackpool later this year, as seven year-old Kayla Wotherspoon also netted a Scotland call-up.

Kayla, a pupil at St Patrick's Primary School, Dumbarton, also travels to dance practise in Pollok each week and her hard work and efforts have been rewarded too.