A TALENTED young dancer from Saltcoats is to have the chance to star on the national stage.

Aria McCart in only seven-years-old, but already she has shown she has outstanding talent.

And this week, it was confirmed that the Stanley Primary School pupil is going to be involved in a glamorous event in Glasgow.

Aria has been selected to take part in Strictly Kids UK and she, along with a partner, will perform in the grand final at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on October 21.

While the event is an amazing opportunity to showcase her talents, it is also a fantastic chance to raise funds for charity.

Prior to the final, young Aria will be fundraising in aid of The Miracle Foundation - a bereavement and trauma charity that supports young people in Scotland who have lost siblings or parents.

It is a charity Aria's mum Amyleigh Cavanagh said is "very close to our heart" after recently seeing what they do for families and the difference it makes in children, through the love and support they get.

She added: "We hope to raise as much money as possible to help this amazing charity continue to help and support these families.

"I am so proud of you (Aria) baby girl, reach for the stars. I can't wait to see this wee journey unfold and you have a heart of gold doing this in aid of a charity that's helped, and will continue to help, her best friends."

In her bid to raise funds, Aria has already organised one event, with another in the pipeline.

The youngster is going to be completing a 'sponsored cartwheel-athon', on August 20 - where she will be doing cartwheeles from one side of Saltcoats prom to the other to raise funds for the amazing charity.

Planning for a sponsored beach clean - where she and friends from her dance troop Dance Mafia will be cleaning up Saltcoats beach - is also in the works.

It will set the youngster up nicely for the competition itself, where she can show her dancing talents.

Aria is the current under eight Scottish and world hiphop champion. She also held titles of European and British champion.

She will be attending the Udo hiphop world championships next month to defend her title with her Saltcoats dance school Dance Mafia.

Her mother added: "Aria has been dancing since she could walk and absolutely loves it she never stops and has such a passion for it.

"She can’t wait to start fundraising and practicing for this event and take part in the glamorous grand finals."