A REDDITCH-based dancing school is appealing for sponsorship to ensure its talented young dancers will be a step closer to securing the opportunity of a lifetime.

A troupe of 24 dancers at the McCarthy-Felton School of Irish Dancing may perform on Broadway next Spring if they get through to the finals of The Ultimate Dance Experience competition held at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre in October.

But the dancing school, which also holds classes in Bidford, is desperately appealing for financial help to cover costs.

Teacher and choreographer Mary Felton said: "We desperately need the financial help to cover the cost of travel and costumes for the senior group in the final.

"We've estimated a coach will cost us £450 and the price of costumes and accessories, for example in a Riverdance routine, can be as much as £900.

"And although many of the costumes only need altering or refurbishing, this still costs a great amount so we need all the help we can get."

The competition is organised by Mardi Gras Promotions and top dance companies from all over the country gave their all in the preliminary round two weeks ago in an attempt to reach the final.

The prize will be the chance to dance in New York on behalf of Dancers Responding to AIDS, a charity concert where dancers perform to raise funds and awareness of the disease.

Mrs Felton also said: "We were extremely fortunate to have reached the finals in both the junior and senior sections.

"The dancers performed beautifully and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

"We now have to get down to lots of rehearsing so we can impress the adjudicators, who will include Bonnie Langford, New Yorker Chet Walker and Cheryl Baker."

Any groups, companies or individuals keen to make a contribution can call Mary Felton on 01789 778047.