Youngsters in East Renfrewshire are to benefit after a firm put their dance school centre stage in its most recent round of donations.

Mactaggart and Mickel has awarded £1,000 to The McCarthy School of Dance from its Building Communities Fund.

The cash will go towards helping members take part in UK-wide dance contests.

Founded by sisters Claire and Jenny McCarthy, the school holds classes in Clarkston and Giffnock, offering lessons in various styles to those aged between five and 19.

In addition to recreational dance, the school has a competitive branch, called MSD, where dancers compete in pom, hip hop and lyrical categories in competitions throughout the UK.

Jenny said: “Mactaggart and Mickel’s donation will be a great help to the parents of our dancers and we’re incredibly grateful for their contribution.

“It will be the first time attending some of the UK’s biggest competitions for many of our dancers, so it will be a brilliant experience for them to showcase their hard work and help them achieve their ambitions.

“The competitive dance world is extremely expensive but, with this donation, we’re one step closer to making it accessible for all.”

Mactaggart and Mickel’s Stewart Gardens development, in Newton Mearns, and subsequent phases will provide a total of 86 new homes in the coming years.

Joanne Casey, company director, told the Barrhead News: “The McCarthy School of Dance brings joy to so many families in the East Renfrewshire area, many of whom live in our Whitecraigs development.

“We’re thrilled to be able to make a positive difference to the school and the parents of children participating in national competitions.

“This initiative showcases their skills and celebrates the talent the area has to offer.”