A DEVOTED teenager is two steps closer to “making his dreams come true” after being selected to represent England at the Dance World Cup and securing the backing of sponsors.

At the weekend, young champion Harry Henderson of Middlesbrough, launched his appeal for sponsorship after discovering he will compete in Rome, next year.

The 14-year-old, who is hoping to raise around £2,500 through a Gofundme page, has already secured the support of two Teesside firms with donations totalling about £300.

The Northern Echo:

Harry at Saltburn Pier Picture: ENPOINTE PHOTOGRAPHY

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Harry said: “I just love dancing so much, I keep going – I’m hoping to raise as much as I can as we’ve got to buy the right uniform, flights and accommodation ourselves.”

Last year, the Stokesley School pupil danced his way into one of the country’s biggest conventions, Can You Dance? in Liverpool.

Middlesbrough schoolboy, 12, dances his way into major convention

The teenager, who said he “followed in the footsteps” of his older sister after learning how to dance four years ago, was also named the TDCI Champion of Champions in the modern category of the national competition in 2017.

The Northern Echo:

Harry at the TDCI in 2017

But just last week, Harry discovered he had been selected to go up against some of the best dancers from 62 countries in the 2020 cup.

He said: “If I get there, I will be really excited knowing that I’ve managed to fundraise enough to make my dream come true. My friends can see how hard I have been working at it.”

Harry and his older sister, 20-year-old Emily Henderson have been working round-the-clock to get prepared.

The Northern Echo:

Harry and his sister Emily Henderson

Harry’s mother, Kim Bradley, said the pair were operating like a “team” fundraising for his travel, accommodation and kit.

She said: “He goes to bed, gets up for school and dances constantly – he’s won three modern titles and two song titles. For what he’s done it’s brilliant.”

Since Saturday, two firms on Teesside have pledged their support and agreed to offer sponsorship to support him next year.

Middlesbrough security firm, Cleveland Security Ltd and plumbing firm, James Baines, have pledged around £300 to support the 14-year-old.

Ms Bradley said: “I think there’s all these other people who go to the Olympics, like Mo Farah and they’re really successful, but they are older than Harry, I just can’t believe Harry is going to represent England.

"Him and Emily have been working like a team, getting the word out there and asking for sponsors.”

The 2020 Dance World Cup will take place at Cinecitta World in Rome between Friday, June 26 and Saturday, July 4.

To donate search ‘Harry Henderson’ on Gofundme