Oliver stars in top dance competition

Oliver Barker, 13, a pupil at Hill House School in Doncaster, finished runner-up at the Theatre Dance Council Champion of Champions UK Song & Dance Finals in Fleetwood, near Blackpool.

Despite being pipped at the post for the overall title, Oliver managed to beat the current English and UK champions with his impressive performance of Expressing Yourself from the West End musical Billy Elliot.

Oliver’s singing and tap dancing greatly impressed the panel of judges, who were all from the world of West End theatre.

Oliver is a member of the Riley School of Dance in Doncaster and hopes to go one better when he competes in the Regional Championships in March and the National Championships in July.

Proud Mum, Lisa said: “It was a long day but was well worth the trip.

“I think he could have won it if he wasn’t on anti-biotics for a nasty chest infection.

“However, he did very well and if he keeps going at this rate, we’ll have to get a bigger trophy cabinet.”