MODERN jive dance partners Steve Ledsham and Claire Morris are celebrating their third national title win in less than 12 months.

They returned in triumph from the West Midlands Ceroc national championships having danced their way to victory in the over-45s category.

The trophy now takes pride of place alongside the two they hold as over-45 champions in both the Scottish Ceroc national championships and the UK Open Modern Jive Championships, which were held at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.

“It’s the most fantastic feeling,” said Steve, the franchise holder of the Blitz modern jive group based in Chester’s Guildhall in Watergate Street.

“To have taken one national title would have been fantastic, but to think we hold three is unbelievable.

“There are some amazing dancers about and the competition is very fierce.

“I feel very proud at what Claire and I have achieved in such a short space of time.”

The couple were coached by Steve’s partner, Paula Chalinor, a Blitz dance coach, who returned from the West Midlands competition as the Dance With A Stranger title holder.

Chester dancers Phil and Karen Edge reached the quarter final of the intermediate section in the contest and Phil got to the final of the Dance With A Stranger category.

“Chester has some fabulous dancers and we’ve made our mark on all the big competitions this year.

“Now we are looking forward to going back to Blackpool to start defending our titles in March,” said Steve.