A TEAM of dance-mad youngsters are celebrating success at a prestigious international competition – dubbed the ‘dance Olympics’.

The squad of 50 dancers returned to the Freak Dance studios, in Dale Street, on Tuesday morning after representing England at the International Dance Federation World Championship in Italy.

The tournament was a huge success for the team, with a number of the Freak Dance performers claiming second or third place in their categories against some of the world’s top young talent.

Last month, the Radcliffe Times reported how the group had recovered to raise the £20,000 needed to take them on their dream trip, after burglars had stolen thousands of pounds in registration fees during a break-in in January.

And after enjoying the week of their lives in the town of Bellaria, preparations will now get underway for next year’s contest in Austria.

The school’s owner, Aeron Lloyd-Booth, said: “The week was absolutely amazing. The standard of the competition was really fantastic, even better than we expected, and all of the kids had a great time.

“We have faced so many obstacles on the way here and we have overcome every single one of them.

“And when you see the team standing there in their England tracksuits looking so proud to represent their country it makes it all worthwhile.

“They were long, tiring days but so much fun. We met up with people from all around the world and made a lot of new friends.

“This has been a very long journey but everyone involved with Freak Dance is really looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

More than 1,500 competitors from 31 countries took part in the competition, which kicked off with a spectacular street parade through the streets of Bellaria.

The young dancers were also treated to an unexpected coach tour of Europe on the way home, after they missed their flight back.

Aeron added: “It was a really strange end to the week but all of the kids really enjoyed the whole experience.

“We’ve ended up going all across Europe and seeing so many great places, which has made the trip even better for everyone.

“Now all of the kids want to get the coach to Austria next year as well.”