Dressed in smart white tracksuits and brandishing a Union Jack, the Dark Angels dance troupe made a triumphant return to Knowle West after competing in the USASF Dance Worlds hip-hop competition in America.

The Dark Angels put in a brilliant performance over two days at the Epcot Centre in Florida, but were beaten in the final by just 0.1 of a point by Texan group Alpha Cheer and Dance. Despite missing out, the team won two more trophies for their cabinet – the USASF Dance Worlds second place trophy, and the Nation's Cup for scoring the most points over the weekend.

The Angels' leader Charlie Bedford was also named best international choreographer for his work over the last year.

The dancers, their families and supporters arrived home yesterday lunchtime.And although they didn't manage to retain their world title from last year, the Angels were delighted to have done so well.

Michelle Sergeant, 27, a dance teacher at City of Bristol College, has been with the Angels for eight years.

Miss Sergeant, who lives in Upper Station Road, Staple Hill, said: "It was absolutely fantastic. The competition level was a lot higher because we set a precedent last year, and this year all the teams were coming over to watch and support us."

Fellow dancer Natalie Tuck, 23, a fitness instructor of Corsley Walk, Knowle, said they had been training for the competition for a year.

She said: " "I am really proud of what we have achieved."

Split over two days over the weekend, the Dark Angels were leading the competition by the end of Saturday.

They performed last on Sunday, and were just beaten into second place.

Choreographer Charlie Bedford, 22, of Warman Close, Stockwood, said coming second "hurt like hell", but that he was incredibly proud of the whole team.

He said: "We all did so well and it was so close, it was just one of those things.

"The team who won were stunned as they didn't think they had beaten us, but on the day it is the judges' decision, so you can't moan.

"We can all hold our heads up high and be proud of what we have done. We didn't come first, but we are still winners.

"We just want to say thanks to everyone who supported us, and to the city council. Without them we wouldn't have been able to go in the first place."