* Click here to sign up to free news and sport email alerts from Middleton Today.

Over 200 people packed out the club for an emerald isle celebration evening which included seeing the girls give a preview of their upcoming world class performance in America alongside Irish band Bally Hoo.

Shannon Adamson, 13, and Megan Kelly-Wright, 12, qualified for the championships in December and have been amazed at the support shown for their dancing skills since then.

Megan said "I think its great that hundreds of people came to raise money to help me and Shannon go to America. I would like to say thanks to all the people that have supported us." Shannon added "I would like to thank everyone involved for helping make my dream come true by enabling us to get to Philadelphia and all of the people who turned up for their generous support."

Their dance teacher, Mary, said: "I was so impressed by the amount of people that turned out to support the girls. I am sure the girls will make us very proud. Best of luck to them." Megan's mum Sarah said "I think it was fantastic, it just goes to show what great support we have received, and would like to thank everyone for their hard work and support and for making the night a success."

Shannon's father Paddy said "Her mother and I are both exceedingly proud of Shannon and owe an immense debt of gratitude to everyone involved at the Hunslet Club and to those who turned out. We are sure that they will both will make everyone beam with pride at them in the competition."

Jason Slack, fundraiser at The Hunslet Club, told Middleton Today: "We are only too pleased to help these two girls reach their opportunity of a lifetime and we were thrilled to see so many people from the local community come out and show their support for them. Everybody here wishes them the best of luck in the championships."