JUDGES were so impressed by the smooth steps of a young Tyldesley ballroom dancer that they rewarded him with a trophy.

Ten-year-old Rion Broadbent, of Esthwaite Drive, won first prize for his fancy moves in the Fylde Waltz at the Pontins Ballroom Festival in Blackpool this week.

And he has brought home with him a large trophy and a medal.

Rion, a pupil at Sacred Heart School in Hindsford, currently trains at the 180 Club in Tyldesley, and at Sanderson Dance in Burnley.

His proud mum, Jeanette, a watch repairer said: "He's been dancing ever since he was five. Whenever music came on, he would just started dancing. He had a friend next door who was going dancing and he just went along with her. Rion ended up staying, even though she didn't."

His dad, Steve, a taxi driver, said Rion hopes to take part in the World Championships in April, and they think he has a good chance of winning.

Rion also enjoys Latin-American, as well as ballroom steps.

The active youngster is a keen footballer with Leigh RMI under-11s.

In dance class, Rion is already up to gold-medal standard and is considering the possibility of eventually becoming a professional.