A TOUCH of the Riverdance is coming to Stourbridge as a prestigious Irish dancing school prepares to step out in the town.

Occupational therapist Sue Hollick is about to follow in her own mother's footsteps by launching the Gallagher O'Connor Irish Dance Academy at the Royal British Legion in School Drive, Amblecote.

Mrs Hollick's late mother, Evelyn Stockdale, ran an Irish dance school in Liverpool for 50 years.

Now Mrs Hollick, aged 47, of The Rise, Kingswinford, is poised to run her own branch of the Gallagher O'Connor academy, which has trained two world champions and also has four European titles and 13 national champions under its belt.

Her daughter, Ezme Hollick, aged 14, has been training at the academy's centre in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, and has won her way through to compete in three world championships.

Mrs Hollick's husband, Dublin-born Dave Hollick, said: "Sue danced herself when she was younger and went to the world championships in Ireland when she was 11.

"She taught Ezme Irish dancing and then took her to the Gallagher O'Connor academy because it has such a good reputation.

"Now she has decided to start her own branch of the academy to bring Irish dancing to local young people."

Mrs Hollick said: "The school focuses on providing a positive environment, allowing children to develop a new skill whilst gaining the confidence to perform and compete in front of an international audience.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established dance school where children will gain not only the skills for Irish dance but confidence and performance techniques too."

The first class will be held from 10am to 12 noon on September 12 at the Royal British Legion and Mrs Hollick's sister, Barbara Green, from Liverpool, will travel to Stourbridge each Saturday to help run the classes.

Places need to be reserved by contacting Sue on 07951 248851 or Barbara Green on 07791 245044, or by emailing gallagheroconnor.midlands@aol.co.uk