A KIDDERMINSTER dance school is officially relaunching at its new home - years after a studio break-in devastated owners and young dancers.

M&M Dance and Performing Arts Studios, now situated in the historic former registry office in Bewdley Road, will hold its grand opening event on Saturday (August 31) to celebrate the recent move and the beginning of new dance classes.

Kerry and Ges Morris opened their first studio at Hoo Farm Industrial Estate in 2013, but the owners, dancers and parents were left heartbroken after thieves broke into the studio and stole thousands of pounds worth of equipment just months after it opened.

Kerry said: “The break-in left us with nothing. “Me and my husband gave up our jobs to open that school, we spent every single penny and we lost it all.

“We have had to start all over again. We persevered and put lots of plans into place.”

After the burglary, the school had to move out of the premises and find temporary venues to carry on dance classes.

Now, after an agreement with Gemini Property late last year, the school has been able to run its classes at the listed building and parents have helped to build new studios.

Dance classes at the studios include a range of styles from ballet, tap, freestyle, jazz and gymnastics and dancers are also given the opportunity to take part in competitions.

Kerry added: “It’s a real family orientated dance school. Kids see it as their second home.

“We have spent a lot of time making this into an extremely reputable building. It has been a team effort.

“This is a properly run dance studio. Everything here is for the kids and the local community.”

The ceremony on Saturday, which is open to the public, starts at 11am and the Kidderminster Carolians will be there to cut the ribbon, marking the official launch of the new studio.

There will also be a range of free dance classes for children to take part in between 10am and 2pm

Parent Sue, who has been involved with the school for many years, said: "This place isn't a dance school to us, it's a dance family.

"This place is a home."