Hero dance teacher who was left fighting for her life after shielding children during Southport knife attack

Hero dance teacher who was left fighting for her life after shielding children during Southport knife attack is given standing ovation as she returns to dance school for first time since horrific incident

A hero dance teacher who was left fighting for her life after shielding children during a knife attack in Southport has been given a standing ovation as she returned to dance school for the first time since the horrific incident.

Ann Maguire, 61, was stabbed multiple times in the chest and abdomen during the attack at Corpus Christi Catholic College in April.

She underwent emergency surgery and spent several weeks in hospital. She has now been discharged and is continuing her recovery at home.

On Monday, Ann returned to the dance school she runs, Dance Dynamix, for the first time since the attack.

She was greeted with a standing ovation from her students and staff.

Ann said she was "overwhelmed" by the support she had received.

"It was so lovely to be back," she said.

"I'm still not 100 per cent, but I'm getting there. I'm just so grateful to everyone who has supported me."

Ann's students said they were "so happy" to see her back.

"She's such an inspiration to us all," said one student.

"We're all so proud of her."

Ann's story has touched the hearts of people across the country.

She has been praised for her bravery and selflessness.

Ann said she was "just doing what any teacher would do."

"I would do it again in a heartbeat," she said.

Ann is now looking forward to the future and continuing her work with Dance Dynamix.

"I'm so excited to be back," she said.

"I love teaching dance and I can't wait to get back to doing what I love."