Local Hero Award Nominee: Trish O'Reilly

Trish O'Reilly, 48, or Miss Trish as she is known, has been teaching dance to children in her community for nearly 30 years. She started the Dance Depot school 24 years ago, working in the inner city areas of Dovecot and Huyton. She began in a small hall with just a few children - today, she runs classes each week for over one hundred of them.

Formerly a professional dancer, Trish brought her knowledge and experience to the children in her area. Many students have gone on to become professional dancers. She is fully committed to her school and spends hours making sure that the lessons are new, engaging and fun. She knows every child's name and takes the time to talk to, and engage ever child that comes to her school. She is now teaching children and grandchildren of former pupils.

Trish was nominated by her husband Terry who said: ''We can't walk down the street without someone coming over to have a chat - she will remember the names of pupils from 20 years ago and is now teaching the children and grandchildren of former pupils. You can tell kids that have gone through her school - they start as shy little girls and when they leave they are bright, happy and confident.''