A DANCE troupe has rallied around the community during lockdown while creating precious memories for its dancers.

The Islanders Dance Troupe from Barrow Island, led by principal Joanne Irvine Leach, was set to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has put the troupe's competitions -primarily based around Manchester - on hold.

Instead, the Islanders have been fundraising to purchase meals for Barrow carers to enjoy.

They have been organising raffles through their Facebook page ‘Islander Leach’ to raise the money.

The money was used to purchase delicious treats for the staff from Risedale at Lonsdale Nursing Home.

Joanne said: “We hope the staff at Lonsdale Nursing Home enjoyed their treats from us.

“We can’t wait to raise more money so we can keep giving our key workers what they deserve.”

The troupe has also been entertaining Facebook users by putting together video compilations of the dancers.

One video showed some of the youngest members mimicking a popular TikTok video.

Another video gave the public the chance to meet the troupe by introducing its principal, trainers and dancers one by one.

“We hope to start up again in September or October if this is allowed - if not then as soon as we get the go-ahead we will be open, getting ready to start our season in 2021 and celebrating our 25th year as the Islanders properly," said Joanne.

“We will also be welcoming new and old dancers back when we open.

"But until then we will continue to keep our dancers happy and healthy by having online classes and playing lots of games.”

The troupe has also come up with a fun way of raising money to keep the afloat during these uncertain times.

They have created an ‘Islanders COVID-19 Time Capsule’ activity book to give dancers something to do in lockdown whilst raising much-needed funds for the troupe.

The booklets cost £1 and can be purchased and personalised for any type of club. It asks children to draw who they are social distancing with, what they want to be when they grow up, what their favourite dancing memory is, and includes many other activities.

Joanne said: “I am just trying to show them we care.”