Talented Clydebank dancers shone at the World Irish Dancing Championships last month.

Stewart School of Irish Dance, which runs classes in Duntocher, Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs, had performers competing at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow from March 24 to April 1.

And the dedicated troupe excelled themselves, with the senior ladies’ team securing a world medal after finishing in eight place.

Joanne Matchett, who attended the competition to support her daughter, described the seniors’ achievement as “a big thing”.

She said: “Our senior team, which is eight girls, came away with a world medal. That’s the medal that everyone is looking for. It’s the most sought-after medal at the world championships.”

The under-19 ladies narrowly missed out but were praised for their performance at the event, which generated a buzz in the host city.

Joanne added: “They’re getting better and better. They just need to keep working. They have got a good wee bunch that will work together right the way through.

“It’s completely different for us because it was our home city. I was still working and the girls were still at school. The schools have been very supportive of all the dancers.

“Glasgow was buzzing. It was full of Irish dancers. The girls go do their dancing and then go off and have lunch with their pals. Everybody just enjoys it.”

The solo performers all finished the competition with personal bests, while the under-16s finished 22nd and the under-19s ladies’ ceilidh team 16th.

Joanne continued: “Every one of our dancers progressed from last year.

“They take a week to recharge their batteries and they went back to class [last] Monday. Now they’re right back into the hard work.”

The Clydebank parent had helped fundraise for the girls in March to ensure all 35 were kitted out in new tracksuits for the event.

However, her first thought was to praise the teachers who have invested time and effort into helping the dancers be the best they can be.

She added: “The teachers put their heart and soul into every single one of the dancers. They encourage and support them.

“It’s like another member of their family. They spend so much time with them. They say if you work hard you will get the rewards and that’s what happened this year.

“My daughter lives and breathes it. She just loved it. Even driving in the car on Monday she said, ‘I’m going to my happy place.’”