A group of young street dancers were kept on their toes on Saturday as they turned their skills to ballroom dancing.

The youngsters, who are aged between 11 and 14, performed the dance show at St Thomas More School as part of the Take the Lead initiative run by not-for-profit housing association, bpha.

Take the Lead, based on the 2006 film of the same name, is a 10-week dance course designed to help young people who are interested in dancing, learn new skills.

As well as learning street and ballroom dancing other disciplines include karate, kick boxing, cheerleading and carnival dance.

Kim Norris, community development officer at bpha, said: “As a housing provider we are committed to working with residents of all ages in our local communities.

“We are delighted to have worked with these youngsters, helping them to learn new skills and meet new people.

“The course was great fun and the young people put a lot of effort into learning their dances. The final show was spectacular and we were delighted with how many people turned up to watch and offer their support.”

Alicia Sedgwick, aged 14, said: “I signed up for Take the Lead because I wanted to do more dance and I am happy I did because otherwise I would be bored at home or hanging out with my friends.”

The project was supported by the Bedford Borough Council House of Industry Fund and Team Beds & Luton. Take the Lead was first performed in Bedford in 2006 in Goldington.