A talented street dance crew have showcased their skills to reach the final of the world hip-hop dance championship.

Newham Recorder: The IMD Legion megacrew performance. Picture: IMD LegionThe IMD Legion megacrew performance. Picture: IMD Legion (Image: IMD Legion)

IMD Legacy, who are based in Stratford, finished seventh in the adult category - the highest placing ever achieved by a UK group in the competition's 18-year history.

The seven-strong crew beat teams from more than 50 countries to secure their place in the final in the American city of Phoenix, Arizona.

And the group - consisting of founder and CEO Omar Ansah Awuah, choreographers India Bowen and Koby Turner, dancers Ethan Brenchley, Marcus Hales-Johnson and Khyrese Heron, plus Lamar Antho of GDND Academy of south London - impressed both the judges and fans with their performances.

The tournament was live streamed online, meaning friends, family and supporters in the UK were able to stay up late into the night to follow the team's progress through the preliminary, semi-final and final rounds.

Newham Recorder: IMD Legacy members at the world hip hop dance championship. Picture: IMD LegionIMD Legacy members at the world hip hop dance championship. Picture: IMD Legion (Image: IMD Legion)

Three other IMD teams competed in the championships - IMD Kids Squad in the junior section, IMD Rejects in the varsity category and IMD Legion for the megacrew category, featuring 40 dancers.

Lamar's GDND crew also entered the varsity category, with all four advancing to the semi-final stage.

By finishing 11th in megacrew, IMD Legion also secured the highest placed finish for a UK team in the category.

Omar said: "We've been competing at this competition for many years now, so this result has been a long time coming and finally the UK's hip-hop dance scene has gained recognition on the world stage.

"In all categories our crews were competing against more than 60 other teams from across the globe, including some the world's most famous crews, and we held our own.

"All of our choreographers and dancers have worked tirelessly to prepare for this event and we incredibly proud to have been able to represent the UK at such a high level in our sport."

The IMD dancers are no strangers to success, having won national and European titles as well as reaching the live finals of Got to Dance in 2013 and 2014, and Britain's Got Talent in 2015.