A SOUTH Lakeland dancer has enjoyed success in a national competition after a long break from the floor.

Staveley's Cherrie Stokes, 54, who represented Reeders Dance Studio based in Preston, took part in the U.K. A. Premier competition at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Mrs Stokes and her partner Bill Reeder reached the final in both ballroom and Latin American categories through three elimination rounds.

“I felt very Strictly when I was at the competition,” Mrs Stokes said. “I wasn’t really nervous to be honest, because of the music and the costumes and the glamour just overcomes the nerves.”

Competing against dancers from all over the country, the pair were placed sixth in both categories with their rumba, paso doble, waltz and quickstep.

Mr Reeder, also Mrs Stokes’s dance instructor, said: “Cherrie absolutely loves dancing. It’s in her blood. Competing is a very big step for her.”

Earlier this year Mrs Stokes took part in a smaller competition in Manchester, placing second in the ballroom and third in the Latin American category.

Mr Reeder said: “I am very proud of her. She has done so much in such a short time. People take years and years to complete what she has achieved in two competitions.”

Mrs Stokes, who did ballet as a child and rock ’n’ roll during her time at Bristol University, also competed but raising a family took precedence after she got married.

Once the children were older she took up dancing again, signing up to classes with Reeders Dance Studio five years ago and wanting to return to a competitive level.

She said: “Having felt that ecstasy in my 20s when I used to compete I wanted to feel that again. It was one of the most exciting experiences I’ve ever had. I wanted to push myself to see how far I could go.”

Practicing several times a week, Mrs Stokes became more involved and assists James Reeder from Reeders Dance at their weekly dance classes and workshops held in Staveley.

“I get so excited about dancing, I wanted others to feel that as well”, Mrs Stokes, who wants to keep competing in the future, said: “I would like to thank my husband Chris for his constant support, and thank you to James and Bill Reeder for their excellent knowledge, skills and patience!”