'TROUPE dancing is a way of life, not a hobby'.

That's the mantra of the borough's army of troupe dancers and it was on full display on Sunday as hundreds of them came together for a rare, spectacular clash which brings the opposing 'codes' together.

For the second year running the Queen Elizabeth Hall played host to The Great Oldham Dance Off which sees all 15 MANECCO and MICEP troupes battle it out in the last competition of the carnival season.

Although it's a fantastic celebration of troupe dancing and a chance for all the 'girls' - who range in age from toddlers to grandmothers - to get together, it's also fiercely competitive battle for supremacy, star-studded with finely-honed routines, jaw-dropping stunts and incredible talent - not to mention the fantastic costumes.

The competition also serves as a much-needed fundraiser to help the troupes practise and compete throughout the season as they rank up costs around £20,000 each a year.

Organised by The Union of Oldham Dance Troupes - which was launched by one of the discipline's biggest fans, Manchester Cabins founder Frank Rothwell and Joanne Hadley, who runs Chadderton’s Fusion Dance Troupe - the event packed out the venue.

Buckley Belles took the crown in the Senior over 16 section while New Generation won the Juniors 12 to 16.

There was double celebration for Collettes - last year's Senior winners -who won both the Tinies 6 to 12 and Tots up to 6 competitions.

Frank and his wife Judith were there to cheer on the troupes among hundreds of their families and friends.

He said: “There were over 600 Oldham girls competing, and it was the first time some of them had seen many of the dancing troupes perform their dance routines.

"There was a real buzz and the competition was fierce. The competition was a real success and enjoyed by every one who participated and attended. There was some very proud parents and friends."

The troupes' attentions now turn to rehearsals for the 2019 season and they've already booked the QE Hall to stage the grand event next year.