A WEST Devon wheelchair user who recently took part in an international dance competition this week said the respect he received from on-lookers that day was better than any medal. Mark Ralph of Peter Tavy was one of 22 dancers chosen to represent England at the World Championship Dance Sport in Holland. Mark danced with his Okehampton fiancée Clare Goater with the Beacons Wheelchair Dancing Team, who train in Torquay as part of Wheelchair Dance Sport Association UK. The team is England's only disabled dancing team — it is the first time a team has represented England in a wheelchair dancing competition in 25 years. There were 400 couples at the competition during the Easter weekend, representing 19 different countries. Mark and Clare danced together for the combi-couples section with Mark dancing on his feet – a performance which left people amazed at his dancing. Mark and Clare came tenth out of 32 dancers in the combi 'dance off', and managed to get through to the second round, but unfortunately missed out on a place in the semi-finals. Clare also danced for the duo-couples section of the tournament and came third in the finals, winning a bronze medal with dance partner Steve Boyne from Paignton. Mark said: 'It was very good. We had a good time there and we hope to be there next year and I would like to do the pasa doble.' Sue Cummings, the team's choreographer, who was a wheelchair dancer for 25 years, said: 'They were brilliant. 'So many people came up to me afterwards and commented on Mark dancing on his feet and said how much respect they have for him. 'Mark said that this comment was better than any medal. 'You have no idea how much effort goes into these dances, they all worked really hard. I was so proud to see everyone British dance. 'I am so proud of the whole team especially of Mark who was determined to do it on his feet.' Beacons Wheelchair Dancing Team took five to six months to learn three dances — waltz, samba and quick step — which were all choreographed to their abilities. They danced in combi-couples, which is where one dancer is in a wheelchair while another is on their feet, and duo-couples, which involves two wheelchair dancers.