A YOUNGSTER from Great Alne near Alcester is celebrating after winning the Irish Dance European title.

Sophia Papantoniou, a member of the McCarthy-Felton School of Irish Dancing, recently competed in the 2015 World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) annual championships in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Sophia, who attends St Benedict's Catholic High School in Kinwarton Road, not only beat off all other contenders in under-13 category at the European Championships she also scooped second place in the Under-13 World Championships.

The 12-year-old started Irish dancing after attending a session alongside her best friend.

The duo train three times a week at the school, which works with dancers aged five and above, at its base in Salford Priors Memorial Hall.

Her dad Stephan said: "With a Welsh mother and Greek Cypriot father many wonder how she got involved in Irish Dance.

"What started out as a bit of fun has now become a serious competitive activity involving regular competitions across the UK as well as general performances in the local Warwickshire and Worcestershire area.

"Her bedroom has become a shrine to Irish dance with the number of trophies and medals she’s collected over the years."

During the championships, Sophia, who has been dancing since the age of six, joined other members of her dance school to compete in group competitions including the World Figure Championships where the team came first for the third year running.

Another victor from the dance school was Salford Priors youngster Madeleine Dale who came first in the Under 8’s European Championships.

The dance school’s next show is the McCarthy-Felton Summer Showcase which is being held on July 12 at Stratford-upon-Avon High School.

Tickets can be purchased by phoning 0794 647 5980 or emailing marymccarthyfelton@gmail.com.