THE founder of a children's dance school in Woodley was recently presented with an award at the company's annual conference.

Andrea Bickford owns diddi dance Reading and Wokingham, which holds classes in Woodley, Earley and Woosehill, and was given the accolade for being ‘best at running a franchise for 2019’.

Anne-Marie Martin, Founder of the funky pre-school dance class company, said: “This award is to recognize the franchisee who is running their business at the highest standards, as well as implementing their own use of ideas and creativity along brand guidelines.

"Andrea’s figures and attention to detail are brilliant – well done!”

More than 40 diddi dance franchisees from around the country attended the conference to hear a series of business and motivational speakers and to exchange ideas, information and inspiration with their fellow diddi dance owners.

Andrea said: "I’m really proud of the continued growth of diddi dance since its launch in the area five years ago.

"I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the last few years and have built up a fantastic little team of teachers who now lead the majority of my classes.

"This has allowed me to focus more on the growth and development of the business.

"Winning this award really was the icing on the cake to round off a super weekend and it reassures me that all those evenings stuck at my desk, once the children are in bed, are beginning to pay off!"