A talented schoolgirl is set to compete in a national dance competition after beating competitors five years her senior.

Lily Cross, nine, of Wickford, smashed all her performances at the regional awards of Starz, taking home first positions in eight different dances on the day.

She has now qualified to compete against other regional finalists at the national final in October. It comes just weeks after she was named solo dancer in the South East Entertainment Awards.

Dad Steve Cross said: “The Starz competition was a massive surprise as she has stepped up to the next age category – nine to 14 – so to beat everyone was unbelievable. On that day she danced eight different routines and her dance teachers Hayley and Anais were very proud of her achievements and professionalism.

“Lily was in a category with bundles of talent and to win was amazing. Lily said to my wife and I she was happy to be nominated and was looking forward to enjoying the day. She was gobsmacked to win.

“As parents we are incredibly proud of her commitment with rehearsing on a daily basis. Lily just loves to dance.

“I know Lily would publicly like to thank her dance school Hayley School of Dance and her dance teachers Hayley Mejias and Anais Mejias for all the help they give her.”

Lily, who attends Oakfield Primary School, in Scott Drive, Wickford, started training at the dance school four years ago and has sessions there six times a week.

At Christmas she starred in the pantomime Aladdin at Basildon’s Towngate Theatre and last year she performed on Broadway with her classmates at Hayley’s School of Dance.

It was then she challenged street dancers to a dance battle in Times Square, drawing the crowds.

Lily will now travel to Birmingham in October to try and be crowned the best across the UK.

Steve added: “Lily really does not see it as success but another chance to get on stage and dance.

“She has no intention to stop doing what she loves and is keen to learn different styles.”