DANCERS from around the Midlands are limbering up for the return of the Wyre Forest Dance Festival.

The well-established event has become popular with local dance schools who annually sign up to compete during February half term.

More than 1,000 entries have been received to compete in a range of categories from Ballet solos to Cabaret groups during the vent which runs from 8.30am to 9pm every day.

This year a new Dance Festival committee has been formed to organise the festival in partnership with Wyre Forest District Council and they set up a Facebook page with dance updates.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, cabinet member for community well-being, said: "It’s not just the dancers who love to come to the festival, the support we get is fantastic too.

"Last year we had approximately 1,000 people come to watch the wonderfully talented youngsters. Having an audience is an important part of the festival.

"Many former competitors have gone on to forge successful careers in the industry and Wyre Forest Dance Festival is proud to have been part of their pathway to success.”

The festival is also accepting entries for the qualifying heat of national competition Miss Dance and Dance Master UK in Theatre Dance which takes place on Tuesday, February 18. The closing date for the qualifying heat is Friday, February 7.

The Festival will finish with the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Championships at the end of the week.

Entry is £3 and festival programmes are £2 and are available from the Worcestershire Hub, Kidderminster, or Kidderminster Town Hall, Stourport Civic Theatre Hall.

For details call Amy Smith on 01562 732975 or email amy.smith@wyreforestdc.gov.uk. For festival updates find the festival on Facebook (Wyre Forest District Council) or follow @wyreforestdc on Twitter.