BRISTOL has beaten competition from across the world to win a new accolade – for hula-hooping.

The city has been named international Hoop Community of the Year in the Hoopie awards, which celebrate hoop dancing, where heavier versions of hula-hoops are spun around the body.

Bristol was nominated alongside Boston and Denver in the United States, Mexico City, Tokyo, Toronto, and Brighton for the award.

And a Bristol hoop teacher and dancer was shortlisted in the instructor and male dancer categories.

Winners were nominated by the readers of official hula hoop website Hooping.org.

In announcing the winner they said: "Of all of the amazing hoop communities on the globe this year, one stood above the rest."

Hooping classes are held across the city and the latest success follows awards for Bristol hoop dancers last year. Nick Broyd was named Hoopping Idol in the 2011 Hoopies.

Emilie Rowell said Bristol's hoop community was "proud and excited".

The Hooping phenomenon has gripped Bristol with more classes, workshops and events than ever before.

The Hoopie is an award given every year to the best hoop dance community and Ms Rowell is keen to repeat the success next year as Bristol becomes a European centre for the sport. Unlike the hula hooping many people remember from school days, the sport offers great diversity from hoop burlesque performers to circus style hooping.

She said hooping is not just for the experienced and that she has danced with both toddlers and pensioners.