A DANCER from Whitehill has marked her step up to adult competition in style.

Farnham Sixth Form College student Danielle Flanighan, of Spruce Avenue, won four categories and was runner-up in another in the ProAm Champions event held at Blackpool Winter Gardens on January 4.

Competing in the under-25 age group, 17-year-old Danielle came first in the solo section, first in the topaz level ballroom and Latin divisions, second in the Latin contest at the higher diamond level, and first in diamond level ballroom.

Her father Shaun Flanighan said: "Danielle has just turned 17 so she entered the under-25 categories for the first time. She was up against the best in the UK plus some international dancers from as far afield as Dubai."

ProAm Champions events are staged around the country and give amateur dancers a chance to take part in competitions if they do not have a regular dancing partner.

Instead they dance with their professional dancing teacher, performing three dances selected from a hat out of five dances in each genre. The Blackpool event is the highlight of the series.

Mr Flanighan said: "I would like to say thank you to the Art-v-Motion Dance Academy, with which Danielle trains at the Alton Assembly Rooms, for letting people like her know you can achieve your goals if you work hard.

"She has now been invited to the Nice ’N’ Easy Dance Studios in Bournemouth for a trial.

"They are looking to work with her and to help her progress.

"I’m proud of Danielle. It’s hard work when you’re competing and it’s nice to put out something positive about this area. Her achievements are a bonus - it’s the dedication I’m proud of."