SWARMS of talented schoolchildren took to the stage to showcase their talents as part of a long-running performing arts competition.

More than 700 pupils from across Furness packed out The Forum in Duke Street as popular festival U.Dance returned for another year, for two nights on March 26 and 27.

Part of Onedance UK's national dance framework, the crowds were entertained with dances from around the world choreographed by teachers, children and volunteers.

Amanda Mortlock is the festival producer and was thrilled with the array of costumes, performances and this year's turn out.

She said: "It's been really exciting we have had a huge range of different themes for the dances.

"Children and their class teachers created some different themes and there has been lots of support from volunteers and parents- it's been a whole class effort.

"The kids loved it, I was standing at the side of the stage and they all ran off and said to me that they wanted to do it again."

The event has been running for around 10 years and has continued to grow in both size and popularity, with some schools entering more than one routine each year.

The following schools took part: Roose Primary School, St James CE Junior School, Yarlside Academy, Dane Ghyll Primary School, St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Ireleth St Peters CE Primary School, St Columba's Catholic Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary School, Holy Family Primary School, Cambridge Primary School, Chapel Street Infant & Nursery School, St George's Primary School, Ormsgill Primary School, LAMPS and Newton Primary School.