A COUPLE from Llangollen have spoken about the power of dancing ahead of the Strictly Cymru final.

The national competition for disabled dancers in Wales is back for a second year and has once again been organised by charity Leonard Cheshire.

Lauren O'Neill and Eddie Hickman, who live at the Leonard Cheshire-run Dolywern home for disabled adults in Llangollen, will be dancing together in the final in Cardiff on May 11.

The couple, who married in 2013, say that dancing continues to makes their relationship stronger.

Lauren, who is the Leonard Cheshire's Welsh language ambassador for north Wales, said: "We find that Strictly Cymru has brought us closer together as a couple. I think that’s one of the reasons why we like it so much."

Partner Eddie added: "The competition is a very intense weekend but we’ve had dancing lessons and we really enjoy it. We like meeting new people at these events too."

After making it to the Strictly Cymru final last year and winning a medal with their tango, Lauren asked for a Latino dance this year.

The couple will find out the song they will be dancing to a few days before the final, and Lauren says she is hoping for popular hit 'Despacito' or a track from The Greatest Showman.

Both Lauren and Eddie say they receive great support from their Dolywern home. However, they have encountered some unexpected attitudes from others in the past - even being told that "two disabled people can’t fall in love."

Through it all, the couple stayed together and enjoyed what Lauren calls a “dream wedding”.

"When we were saying our personal vows, we were crying because we never thought the day would come," Lauren said.

"But it did, and it was wonderful. I would say to other people: don’t be afraid to go for what you want. If you fall in love with someone, don’t be afraid to fall in love with them because of what people might think or say or do."

"I’m really proud and happy to be in the Strictly Cymru final with Eddie once again and I will represent Dolywern and Leonard Cheshire to the best of my abilities. I’m looking forward to going to the final and showing people what we can do as a disabled couple."