South Bersted dance teacher wins award

Nicole was named the runner-up in the 17-19 age group of the latest Arun youth community awards.

She has run an after-school street dance club at South Bersted C of E Primary School for three years.

Up to 12 boys and girls attend the weekly sessions which pharmacy assistant Nicole, 18, of Victoria Drive, runs in her own time.

Her enthusiasm has made the club a success and her patience and understanding has shown those who go along dance can be fun whatever a person’s ability.

She said: “I was shocked to win the award because I didn’t expect it. I don’t think I do that much.

“It’s nice to teach the children something they seem to enjoy. They love it when they have completed a programme and can show it to their parents.”

The award’s judges from the Arun Youth Council said: “Nicole has shown great commitment to the pupils, but also to the school by being there every term.”

She began to teach dance soon after she started volunteering in March 2008 with a dance group for community shows.

The awards evening was held in Littlehampton. A total of 27 young people from across Arun were nominated for annual awards for their charity work and acts of bravery.