HUNDREDS of youngsters have hot-footed it onto the dance floor as part of an innovative project involving 18 schools.

St Joseph's RC Sports College invited other schools in Bolton to join an ambitious scheme which has seen dance practioners from the "Artists in Schools" project teach youngsters dance moves culminating in a series of performances for parents.

More than 700 children have been performing in sell-out shows at Bolton Arena, and more than 1,000 pupils had a chance to be taught by the multi-talented dance experts.

The pupils from five secondary schools and 13 primary schools were eager to take part as they have been encouraged to perform such a range of styles, including street dance, hip hop, African and circus inspired moves.

Teachers also strutted their stuff with an eight-strong team of staff from Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Westhoughton joining in their 80 pupils' performance to "Colourblind" by Darius.

Sacred Heart pupil Meghann Ritchie, aged six, said: "It's been funny that the teachers have joined in.

"I love dancing so this has been good fun."

Teacher Catherine Parkinson said: "We've all loved it because it's been so different from anything else we teach the children."

St Joseph's Sports College is helping to lead the way in dance after being among one of the first schools in the town to introduce dance GCSE exams.

Director of sport at St Joseph's, Barry Lord, said: "We wanted the kids to have a great time and for the teachers in the schools to learn something from the dance practitioners."

Sue Colman, who co-ordinates the artists in schools project, said: "We wanted to give all the pupils an experience they'll never forget.

"There often isn't enough time to teach dance in schools.

"All the boys at primary school level have loved dancing, but at secondary level we struggle to persuade them to join in - but this is a great way to inspire them."