A YOUNG dancer has snapped up a holiday to Florida after taking part in a prestigious northern competition.

Dylan Jones, aged nine, won first place in the beginner category at Bridlington’s freestyle dance Diva 17 event. The youngster was crowned winner of the Under 10s cohort while his sister Faith Jones, aged six, scooped first place in the Under 9s - both fighting off 59 others.

The pair went head to head for the overall beginner title but talented Dylan made the cut. Clare Walton, of Newton Aycliffe’s Stepping Out dance school, spoke of her pride for the siblings and the rest of the troupe who battled it out and achieved recalls and spots in semi-finals and finals.

She said: “We never go expecting anything. We’ve worked hard at what we do and just hope we can be the best version of ourselves and that was a fantastic achievement as a whole and for those two in particular.”

Dylan, of Newton Aycliffe, will join other winners on a all expenses paid for trip to Universal Studios, Florida.

Ms Walton added: “Dylan’s team, parents and teachers are so proud of Dylan and not forgetting his little sister Faith who certainly gave him a run for his money.

“How wonderful is it to have such talent here in our home town of Newton Aycliffe - fantastic.”