Hereford dance teaching duo Joe Lantelli and Sinead Barker have hot footed their way to the grand finals of the world salsa dancing championships in Aruba, to be held in September.

Sinead, aged 27, and her partner Joe, 39, from Quedgeley, in Gloucestershire will be one of six couples representing Great Britain in the south Caribbean.

Just five years ago Joe - the guy who gives a whole new meaning to "cheeky, sexy salsa" - stood on the edge of the dance floor shaking in his shoes at the prospect of his first salsa lesson.

"I was so scared," he explained. "I thought - I can't do this, I've got two left feet."

Ten months later he began teaching in the very same class.

He and Sinead have now been dancing together for just over two years.

Teaching at Hereford's TGS Bowling on Monday evenings, the couple are known for their thorough instruction, versatility, and never-ending energy.

They know how to educate and have fun at the same time.

Sinead explained: "The music we choose is very important to our approach to teaching.

"We want the music to reach out to people on the dance floor and make you want to dance.

"We love seeing our students grow and try new things," said Joe.

Their enthusiasm and passion for salsa has seen them win acclaim and credibility not only with their students but on the tough and highly charged competition circuit as well.

"We were very excited to perform a new routine at the heats, which took place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in June," Sinead said.

"We had some of the best competing and watching."

The couple are now looking for sponsorship to cover the extra coaching they need to help them win in Aruba.

If you can support them in achieving their goal, call Joe on 07971 065750.