TWO sisters are celebrating after coming out on top at a national dance competition.

Libby Davies, 11, and her sister Layla, eight, competed in the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) modern and classical dance sequence competition in Blackpool.

Dancing against girls from across the country, Libby, who has scoliosis, was crowned national champion for her classical dance routine and placed third for modern sequence.

Layla placed fifth, after placing seventh in the previous year. The girls achieved their results based on just 30 minutes private tutor lessons at Fusion Ballroom Dance Academy in Manchester.

Their mum, Mandy, of Hawshaw Lane, Hoyland, said: “I’m over the moon at what the girls have achieved it’s a big improvement on last year.

“The girls have done so well it was a really good day and a fantastic atmosphere. Libby had only just moved up an age group so I really didn’t expect her to do so well. They’ve really pushed themselves.”

ALMOST half of part-worn tyres being sold to the public in Barnsley were found to be not fit for use, according to an investigation carried out by enforcement officers.

Part-worn tyres are required to meet strict safety standards prior to resale to ensure that they are safe for use on the roads, but 45 per cent of tyres inspected were deemed to be dangerous.

However, 97 per cent were found to have minor issues such as a previous puncture repair, age-related deterioration and bulges.

Sellers across the town were visited as part of the scheme and the findings resulted in Barnsley Council admitting that ‘bad practices’ had been found during its own checks.

Coun Jim Andrews, cabinet spokesperson for public health, said: “I hope this information acts as a stark reminder to anyone who is thinking about purchasing second-hand tyres.

“Our findings suggest that some sectors of the trade have developed bad practices which could be putting consumers at risk.

“Equally, traders need to take their responsibilities seriously. Recent examples have shown that the courts take a hard line of those who are shown to be flouting the law.

“Consumers may feel that they can get a bargain by purchasing second hand or others may have no choice. They have the right to demand that the products they buy are safe and legal.”

There are strict laws in place relating to the sale of used tyres, which mean that at the very least they must be safe to be put back onto a vehicle.

All businesses that were found to have defective tyres for sale will be re-inspected and formal action – including a prosecution which could lead to hefty fines being imposed through the court system – may be taken if further safety concerns are discovered.

Coun Charlie Wraith, chairman of the council’s licensing board, added: “It’s something we’re very keen to address as it could be a case of life or death – it is that serious and people shouldn’t be taking the risk.

“Our officers have done work alongside Trading Standards and we’ll continue to carry out spot-checks on those selling part-worn tyres.

“We’ve seen all sorts of issues in the past, including bald items and those with bulges on side walls which are obviously extremely dangerous and should not be fitted to a car.

“One area we’ve really improved is taxis’ conditions but it’s essential defective tyres are stopped from being available for sale.”

A TEACHER is taking matters into her own hands by ‘reading her height in books’ to help secure funding for the school library. 

Amy Holwell is the year two teacher and English lead at The Mill Academy, Lobwood, who believes that the library at the school is lacking in up-to-date resources. 

“The most recent book in our library was published in 1992,” said Amy. “The information is out of date, especially when it comes to science. There have been a lot of advances in the past 20 years and the resources we have are inappropriate for teaching up-to-date facts. 

“Unfortunately there is no budget for us to be able to update our books because it would cost about £1,500 to £2,000.”

Amy is planning to read a stack of books as tall as she is in an attempt to fundraise for new books and she plans to do it all in just one month. 

“Hopefully by the end of this month I will have read all the books,” she said. “I have a strategy where I am trying to read mostly children’s books so that I can get through the books quicker and also so I can make recommendations for the library. I’ve asked the children about what books they would like me to read and I think it’s a great way to get them interested in literature. 

“My aim in this is to get the children excited to go and pick up a book. They don’t want to read books from before they were born, they want things that interest them now. It’s hard enough to get them to take books home so I’m hoping with more books that appeal to them that it will bridge that gap.”

Alongside Amy’s efforts, the school is planning a sponsored read for the pupils where they can be sponsored to help raise money for the new books. Amy hopes to raise £300 to put towards starting the new library and has already read five books. 

• To donate visit www.justgiving.com and search ‘Amy Holwell’.