He competed in Irish dancing contests for years, before he felt the amazing success of River Dance made his hobby acceptable to pals.

But the 18-years-old, of Bolton Road, Atherton, is now on top of the world.

He had Irish eyes smiling in Dublin last weekend when he made history, scooping a top title.

He won the All Ireland and International Irish Dancing Championship, and this success means he is the first person, either male or female, from England, to win the award in the history of the Comhdhail, Irish dancing organisation.

He also received the award for the highest placed competitor from outside Ireland.

James's mother, Pat, who runs the Gallagher Academy of Irish Dancing, said: "This is the highest accolade available to a dancer from Comhdhail and means James is the best in the world -- for this year anyway."

James, a former pupil at St Richard's, Atherton, started dancing at the age of seven, following in the footsteps of mum.

He went to classes in Manchester then as he improved to better schools in Nottingham and Oxford.

And his success has put him on the same bills and The Commitments and Status Quo.

He has performed for a sheikh in Saudi Arabia and at a Norwegian festival, as well as at the Edinburgh Festival.

And he won a part in a film with Pierce Brosnan called This Life until it had to be shelved because of the star's tie up as James Bond.

James' two sisters Leisha, 25, and Keely, 20, are also championship dancers.

Leisha is now married, but Keely - studying drama at Crewe and Alsager University - still dances and should have competed in Dublin but hurt her ankle in a fall.

James, who has just finished his A levels in English, geography and sports studies wants to be a chef.

Pat started her school with classes in Atherton and Bolton a year ago and now has 40 pupils ranging from children to adults.

Anyone interested in joining should contact Pat on 01942 876299.