A TROUPE from Bolton danced their way to success in Leicester.

The Bolton Mandhata Youth, based at Krishna Mandir in Beverly Road, took part in a national competition beating 20 other groups.

The girls, who are all school age, won trophies for their traditional Raas dancing and for their costumes.

Mohanbhai Patel said: "He was very proud of such a wonderful achievement by all the girls from Bolton who won the competition for the traditional dance as well as for the wonderful costumes too.

"The group work hard and contribute to many community events

locally like the Jo Cox's " Great Get Together".

"It is important to maintain and engage young people in the community. They have done Bolton very proud by their achievements."

The dancing tells the story of the Gods Krishna and Radha and comes from the Gujarat region of India.

Mr Patel explained there are two traditional dancing styles, Raas and Garba.

Raas is performed with decorated sticks or Dandiyas. Garba can be distinguished by the hand clapping.

The group, made up of girls from Bolton, have performed at the competition in Leicester a number of times in recent years and last year came second.

Mr Patel said this encouraged them to carry on dancing and do better next time.

The troupe practice each week with many putting in long hours on weekends and holidays to get their routines perfect.

Mr Patel praised the troupe and said they had done well representing their community.