DANCERS from schools in Clackmannanshire are perfecting their moves and finishing outfits ahead of one of the region's biggest contests next week.

Pupils from Alloa, Alva and Lornshill academies will be taking part in the 2017 Forth Valley Schools Dance Competition at the Macrobert Arts Centre.

Three hundred pupils will arrive at the Stirling venue for the event on Monday, March 27 and Tuesday, March 28.

Being held for the fourteenth time, it provides a unique opportunity for some of Forth Valley’s best dancing talent to show off their skills, with pupils developing all choreography and performances.

Junior competitors (S1-S3) will be facing off on the first day, while their older peers (S4-S6) will try to impress the judges on the following.

Pamela Steel, chair of the Forth Valley Schools Dance Competition Committee, said: "The Forth Valley Schools Dance Competition has become one of the region’s most exciting dance contests and entries for this year’s competition have gone up again, demonstrating how popular the event has become over the last few years.

"The standard of choreography and technical ability always seems to exceed expectations and we can’t wait to see another diverse range of performances on show this year."

Tickets can be purchased from the centre by phone (01786 466666), online at www.macrobert.org or at the ticket office.

The competition has been a sell out every year, so anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to secure a spot as soon as possible.

A charity raffle will also take place during the event, raising funds for this year’s chosen beneficiary, Kiran’s Trust.