A WINCHESTER dance charity is celebrating after being crowned Dance Class of the Year in the South England Prestige Awards.

The awards recognise small and medium-sized organisations that have proven to be the best in their market, demonstrating strengths in areas like quality, service excellence, accessibility and sustainable methods of working.

Since 2019, Move Momentum has provided accessible dance classes to three main groups.

Wheelchair users can take part in Liberate classes, which are the only exclusively wheelchair-based dance classes in the UK.

Young people can join academies which have been created in three of Winchester’s four council estates, providing classes to 25 people.

Over 65s are invited to GEMS classes.

Amanda Watkinson project manager said: "We are delighted to receive this award and have our work recognised.

"Myself and the team here at Move Momentum are passionate about making dance accessible to all and we love seeing our students reap the physical, social and emotional benefits of our dance classes. We’re looking forward to getting back in the studio when it is safe to do so."

During lockdown, the charity took the decision to take their classes online.

Since April 20, there have been eight virtual sessions per week free of charge through the use of Zoom, Facebook Live, Youtube tutorials and TikTok challenges.

All of the GEMS (over 65s) exercises have also been made publicly available on YouTube.