It's now strictly PC for top dancer

Darren McGuff, aged 27, from Hednesford, was in the top 14 amateur ballroom dancers in the UK four years ago but now runs Chase Computer Consultants.

Huntington-born Mr McGuff, began dancing when he was 13 and rose to the top of the amateur rankings dancing the foxtrot, quickstep and tango at competitions across the country. He is now concentrating his time and effort on the new business and bringing up his three-year-old son Jack.

"It was a really tough decision to stop dancing competitively, but computing has always been my main passion," he said.

Mr McGuff added: "I was just lucky enough to be able to take my hobby to a high level with the dancing, but it takes up a lot of time and money so I had to choose between dancing and my family – there wasn't any alternative really. Now it's a case of putting my best foot forward with the new business, which I'm really looking forward to."

Chase Computer Consultant specialises in setting up wireless network systems in offices or retail outlets, as well as corporate IT services and helpdesk support.

He continued: "I've already had lots of interest from businesses across the area, so I'm hoping this is the first step to a really thriving business."

Mr McGuff's first dancing group was based at the Avon Road Community Centre, Cannock, where he followed in the footsteps of his mother Wendy Douglas, who was also keen ballroom dancer.

As he was unable to say goodbye to dancing altogether, he is now part of the Chase Formation Dancing Team at Huntington community centre, where he has teamed up with his first-ever dance partner – Debbie Smith, 30, from Heath Hayes.

Mr McGuff added: "We're still hoping to be able to enjoy the dancing but with a less demanding schedule."

Jenny Hill, organiser at the Chase Formation Dance Team said: "It's great to have a couple as talented as Darren and Debbie as part of our team."

The home computer firm is based at Charlemonte Close, Hednesford.