A PRIZE-WINNING Irish dancer from Pembrokeshire is being sponsored by Stena Line to attend two important competitions in Ireland this year.

Ten-year-old Katie Harries (pictured), of Thomas Chapel, Kilgetty, has gained sponsorship from the ferry company to enable her to travel to the CRN regional championships in County Kildare next month and the CRN Irish Open championships in Athlone, County Westmeath, in June.

Katie is a pupils of Hynes School of Irish Dancing, Saundersfoot, and since February 2001, she has won 15 first place trophies and 38 medals in Irish dancing competitions.

This will be Katie's third year at the open championships, where in the past she has won three medals at the pre-awards. She faces fierce competition in Ireland, as she will be competing at a high grade in the qualifying heats.