A PEMBROKESHIRE dance school has been shortlisted for a prestigious international prize and the title of best dance school of the year.

Amethyst Dance, which runs classes in Goodwick, Simpson Cross and Roch, is thrilled to be one of the shortlisted schools.

The school was set up in 2003 and teaches ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre and pre-school dance to children aged two- 18.

"The school has evolved and built over the years," said owner Alison Watts. "We are thrilled that this year we've been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Dance School of the Year competition.

"This year saw the largest number of entries ever and so we are super excited to have reached the final which takes place on Friday 29th October 2021.

Now in its 9th year, the Dance School of the Year Awards was founded by Anne Walker MBE to celebrate the achievements of dance schools

This year has seen the largest ever number of entries with the Covid-19 pandemic showing just how important dance teachers are in the lives of a large proportion of the population.

Entries were received from across the UK and Europe as well as Canada, Ireland, USA, Bahrain, Malaysia, Finland, India and Australia and finalists have been categorised according to school size.

As well as an overall winner plus bronze, silver and gold winners in each category, there are also special awards this year supported by several of the dance awarding bodies.

The award ceremony will be held on October 29 and will be preceded by a Devon cream tea where the delegates will receive their finalist certificates.

"We pride ourselves on being more than just a dance school, a place where children can come to have fun, express themselves, build confidence, self-esteem and skills for life," said Alison.

"Where each individual is nurtured and supported to fulfil their potential to go on wherever they wish to in life.

"After everything that has gone on the past 18 months or so, to have this positive news we feel is wonderful."