A DANCE group is hoping to add a final flourish to its attempts to compete in a major competition.

The students at the Glendale Theatre Arts School, Worthing, have been raising money to help them compete at next month’s Dance World Cup in Portugal.

The school is in its final push to make it to the tournament, which takes place from June 28 to July 6.

Eighteen of the school’s pupils will be flying to the Portuguese city of Braga to perform as part of Team England in the contest.

They will be representing one of 61 countries taking part in the World Cup.

The dancers, who are aged between 13 and 19, have already raised more than £5,000 but need to reach a target of £11,000 to ensure they can fly out to perform.

To help reach their target, the selected squad plus the whole dance school have been involved in various fundraising events including an online auction, special fitness classes, raffles, cake sales, a special performance for the schools Little Stars Academy, as well as bag packing in their local Morrisons in Worthing.

Mandy Chapman, Glendale principal, said: “I am so proud of everyone involved in helping our squad reach the Dance World Cup finals.

“The honour of being selected is fabulous and all of the students have been working extremely hard.

“We will be representing team England in a variety of dance genres and dances including solos, trios, quartets, plus small and large groups, so there has been lots of early starts and late nights.

“As a school it’s been great to see everyone get involved and come together, helping support one another and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“We are so thankful for everyone that has already donated either through the various fundraising events we have held and also through sponsorship from local business, it has been much appreciated.”

For more information, or to donate to the dance group’s appeal, visit www.glendaletheatrearts.co.uk