CAROLYN Rickards has just returned from Nashville in America a world champion in line dancing.

Carolyn, 56, from Broomfield, won first place in her Classic Linedance Silver Advanced Division, earning her the championship title.

She had to complete five separate set piece dance styles -- Waltz, Cha, Lilt, Smooth and Funky -- over a gruelling two hour period against competitors from all over the world.

Winning the World Championships for 2004 completed a hat trick for Carolyn as she had won the same title in the Novice Division back in 2000 and in the Intermediate Division in 2003.

"I still cant' believe it. It was always my goal to win three titles and I'm thrilled to bits," she said.

She decided to give line dancing a go after watching a TV programme about it six years ago.

"I thought it was a great way to dance and you can do it by yourself which is great for me, as my husband can't dance."

As well as her world championship title she picked up a bronze medal in the Showcase Division which involves five dance styles with competitors choreographing the dance themselves.

Carolyn is coached by instructor and choreographer Ed Lawton and attends line dance classes run by Ed's sister, Suzanne Spurdle, in Lyme Regis.