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Shannon Adamson, 13, and Megan Kelly-Wright, 12, pictured, train at The Hunslet Club in south Leeds and are members of The Cassidy School of Irish Dancing.

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The dancers won places in the World Championship by beating 39 other girls in their age groups at regional qualifiers.

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The South Leeds community threw its support behind the girls, raising more than £2,500 for their trip at a special night of entertainment at the club.

While in the US the girls competed against over 300 dancers from across the globe.

They won through to the second round, but fell short of reaching the final 50.

Their dance tutor, Mary Wright, said: "Both girls danced to the best of their ability and I was extremely proud of them.

"The standard of dancing was incredibly high and the venue and atmosphere were fabulous.

Who knows where they could end up next year, if they continue with the hard work and dedication."

Founded in 1940, The Hunslet Club has nurtured hundreds of young people in dance and drama and the talents of championship boxers.