A modern dance troupe has been given a grant for new mirrors to help it prepare for its summer show.

Upbeat Dance Company, in Horsham, received a Team Sport Award from power firm UK Power Networks.

The cash went towards funding portable mirrors for the training studio at Roffey Millennium Hall in Crawley Road.

Francesca Setford, an electricity cable jointing instructor at UK Power Networks, is a dance teacher and choreographer at Upbeat Dance Company in her spare time.

She said: “It means a lot to us to receive this support. We spend a lot on the costumes and theatre for the shows and we have been trying to fundraise.

"The hall doesn’t have mirrors, so this help is gratefully received. The students will be delighted and the mirrors will help dancers to improve their skills.

“As an amateur dance company, we rely on fees and a large purchase like this is difficult.”

The company meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for hip hop, street dance, contemporary dance and musical theatre classes for all ages.

The mirrors will help the troupe rehearse for the next annual production at The Capitol in Horsham on May 27 and 28.

Francesca added: “It’s like a dance family - the students are good friends and it’s a good place for them to meet up. It’s extremely rewarding, we’ve seen them grow up over the last six years and their dance skills have really improved in that time.”

Amber Thompson, principal at Upbeat Dance Company, said: “Myself and my dance company are incredibly grateful to receive a grant from UK Power Networks, which will help towards funding mirrors for our new venue.

"This is a wonderful gesture, making a huge difference for a small business like mine."

The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and developing sporting opportunities.

Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up.