A promising Irish dancer was awarded second place in her age bracket at the Celtic British Championships after impressing judges with her new-found dancing ability.

Hannah Strank, from Banstead, showed natural talent, having only started learning the form of dance 10 months earlier.

The eight-year-old, who attends the Edmunds School of Irish Dancing in Crawley, had achieved remarkable results in previous competitions, but had never competed at Celtic British Championship standard. Hannah’s mother, Renata Strank said: “She loves dancing and is very committed to it, practising for hours on a Saturday and Sunday. I was so taken aback when they said she was runner-up that I started crying.”

Hannah hopes to continue her success at exhibitions throughout the year and at a national competition in November.

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