The woman behind preschool dance classes in Lancaster and Kendal has won an award at the 'diddi dance', annual conference.

Nicola Buccelli, took home the diddi deliverer award, which recognises the franchisee who is running their business to the highest standards.

Ms Buccelli, who runs classes in Lancaster, Kendal and Preston, said: "I am so proud to be recognised for all the hard work and commitment to diddi dance.

"The principles are so simple yet so important, and for me to be able to offer the classes in my local area makes me incredibly proud."

Ms Buccelli, formerly a professional dancer, has been teaching the dance for five years. She is the only diddi dance franchisee to have won awards at three consecutive conferences with her team of seven teachers, Alison Sibbert, Ruth Alderson, Bethany Dawson, Holly Brown, Ashleigh Duncan, Rebecca Nichols and Amy McKay, who lead the classes. The team pipped 43 other diddi dance franchises in the UK to win the award.

The founder of diddi dance, Anne-Marie Martin, said: "Nicola won this award because she is an inspiration to the network.

"She has attention to detail, is a positive role model and juggles all the elements of her franchise brilliantly."

The conference takes place over two days each year, and is an opportunity for all franchisees to come together, share best practice, and also take part in various workshops.

The awards are presented in 10 different categories ranging from social media use to growth of business.

Diddi dance has also been accredited by the Children’s Activity Association.