A BORDERS dance school has won a top accolade at an international awards ceremony.

The Fiona Henderson School of Dance (FHSD) was given the 'prestigious' Dance School of the Year 2021 award at a black-tie ceremony last week.

The ceremony held on Friday (October 29) saw dance schools from across the UK and several international entries nominated in a variety of awards.

School principal Fiona Henderson said: “We are simply stunned to be crowned overall Dance School of the Year 2021in these industry awards."

The FHSD has previously found success at the annual awards, having been nominated every year since 2017, and winning a gold award in 2018 for a school with 200 or more pupils, winning silver in 2019 for a school with more than 300 pupils, and receiving the Innovation in Teaching of Dance award in 2020.

Ms Henderson added: "It [the award] is an amazing accolade, and I am extremely proud to receive it on behalf of the whole school and our teachers and pupils.

"It is particularly appreciated as all the finalists are judged by leading dance industry experts.”

The FHSD was first established in 1985 and now boast more than 350 pupils of all ages and offers classes across its eight studios.

The Dance School of the Year Awards was founded by Anne Walker MBE, and at this year's ceremony 25 prizes were awarded across multiple categories.