A ONCE in a lifetime opportunity is taking Widnes dancers to the world’s entertainment capital.

Award-winning students have been invited to join the UK’s top six dance schools to perform in Las Vegas.

Elisha Matthews, 12, and her sister Nicole, 10, are among 60 youngsters saving up for the cross Atlantic trip.

“They just love dancing,” said their mum, Jenna, of Darlington Court.

“It is their dream. They train six times a week. I don’t think you could get any more committed.

“They would love to become professional dancers.”

Elisha, a pupil at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College and Nicola, who attends St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, hope to raise £500 each to fly to America for the show in May, 2017.

Funky Feet School of Dance was founded in 1998 by Helen Jones in Widnes.

She started fun jazz classes at Holy Family social club in Cronton, where her grandparents Peg and Arthur Hendy live.

Sessions then moved to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College.

More than 130 girls and boys now rehearse at her studio in Liverpool, including 20 from Widnes.

Professional dancer Helen, 36, said: “I was in absolute shock when I received the invitation to take the dancers to Las Vegas.

“It is a dream come true for me and certainly for them. The children were all crying with excitement. It’s amazing.”

Girls and boys aged three to 18 have amassed countless trophies for modern, tap, ballet, contemporary and street dancing.

They won the UK Dance Elite Championship last year.

“It’s gone from strength to strength,” said Helen.

“All the children who started with me in Widnes when they were three are still coming.

“We are now organising charity nights, bag packs and anything we can think of to raise funds.”

Dancers need to find at least £12,000 and are appealing to businesses for sponsorship.

Anyone wishing to donate can visit fundrazr.com/campaigns/816tY2/ab/25YhZ9.