NOT even the Beast from the East could stop a local dance group from becoming British Champions at the weekend.

Dance Mafia’s Maniacs were due to take part in the ‘That’s Showbiz’ finals in Liverpool but snow and weather warnings left them with the dilemma whether to travel or not.

All trains, buses and flights were cancelled and this left the team facing a hard decision about attending the competition.

Coach Amyleigh Cavanagh explained: “All the excitement was taken away as we weren’t sure we would even get there, the kids were all devastated, there was a lot of tears but as a team we all came together and decided to pack everyone into cars and convoy our way to Liverpool driving very slow and carefully.”

Dance Mafia were representing Scotland and there were 200 dance schools in attendance and over 900 dancers take part.

Amyleigh added: “These kids train so hard. Blood sweat and tears,they are true professionals and such a great bunch of kids.

"They were ready to fight for it being the only team from Scotland. We were not only representing our town we were representing our country.”

The Maniacs walked away with first place in Hiphop and crowned the under 12 hip hop British champions not only that but they received fifth place overall out of all the different dance teams and styles and to totally top it off, Dance Mafia received the sportsmanship award.

Amyleigh said: “We were so happy and honoured for Dance Mafia to receive the sportsmanship award. I love the fact all our dancers are forever wishing other teams good luck and well done as well as making friends with other teams at competitions, supporting other teams and schools that’s what it’s all about, doing what we love and supporting each other.”