Sinead Hyldon, 11, will get the opportunity of a lifetime when she travels to Philadelphia next Easter to dance before a panel of expert judges.

She qualified for the World Irish Dancing Championships through the Great Britain national finals in October.

Sinead, a pupil at Kingswood School, Corby, said: "It's really exciting. I started dancing when I was three. It's hard work and you have to put in a lot of practice.

"I'm really looking forward to the experience of dancing on stage in Philadelphia. Two people from my class have also qualified."

Sinead, of Hempland Close, Great Oakley, also won the East Midlands competition in her category last weekend.

She goes to the Clifford Academy dance class in Northampton twice a week and dances once a week in Coventry.

As well as dancing in contests, she has also performed at events and displays at Corby's Irish Centre.

At the world championships Sinead will be competing against about 150 girls of her age.

Mum Sharon, a former Irish dancer, is also looking forward to the challenge.

She said: "I'm really proud. My mum and dad are Irish. My sisters and I all did Irish dancing when we were younger.

"I will be going with her to Philadelphia. It will be exciting but expensive."

Competitors do not get any financial help towards travel or accommodation.

Mrs Hyldon said: "If anyone would like to sponsor Sinead we would be very grateful.

"I was thinking of contacting the big firms to see if they wanted to sponsor her."

Anyone able to help Sinead with her expenses can contact Mrs Hyldon on 01536 461932 or email sharonhyldon@yahoo.co.uk.