An Oldham-based dance group travelled to New York city for a "once in a lifetime" trip as they took their performances to the stage and the street.

13 dancers from the Jayne Barnes School of Dance, based in Chadderton, went to the Big Apple between April 11 and 18 as part of a dance trip which had been planned for years.

The troupe were supposed to travel in April 2020 and despite the pandemic delaying their trip the wait was well worth it for the dancers.

Rachel Barnes, daughter of Jayne and one of the leaders at the dance school, said: "It was just incredible, we were like a real dance troupe.

"I don't think we could believe we'd made it."

The trip was organised between the dance group and Pizarts, a New York-based arts organisation, and saw the children perform on stage, in Times Square and take part in a workshop with the famous Joffrey Ballet.

Rachel said: "We managed to get a permit to dance in Times Square, it was amazing for the kids."

Speaking on the workshop with the Joffrey Ballet, she said: "I actually cried, it was a dream come true of mine."

Permits are required for some public performances in Times Square.

The group rehearsed in a studio just off the world-famous square and even had a billboard appear to honour them.

The troupe performed in a theatre alongside another dance troupe from the New York area and took in some of the sights of the city.

Rachel said: "It was just amazing, I think we're still on a high.

"When you tell people about it, you remember how incredible it all was.

"We are all very proud and overwhelmed at what we have achieved and still can’t believe we’ve done it."