A 16-YEAR-OLD dancer who always dreamed of competing in a national dance competition is celebrating after coming third in a prestigious national competition - despite being one of the youngest to take part.

Ellie Burke, who attends the Jeannette McCulloch School of Dance in Sutton Manor placed third in the Miss Dance of Great Britain Final on Monday, June 11 in Blackpool, after entering heats all over the country as soon as she turned 16 to qualify.

Ellie has been attending the school since she was three years old, and despite family circumstances forcing her to move to Formby from Rainhill, she still attends the St Helens school up to three days a week to train in various forms of dance.

One of her proud teachers Suzanne Jones, said: "We had so many members of the dance school heading to Blackpool with Ellie and her mum Joanne to support her, and honestly she did brilliantly.

"As soon as Ellie turned 16 she started entering heats all over the country to qualify and came so close by winning the runner up title in three heats, before winning the title of Miss Blackburn to qualify.

"She has always been one of our most talented dancers and that is down to her hard work and determination to succeed because she always gives it her all.

"The support she has had from home has been instrumental as well.

"She has been a committed and successful member of their elite solo team winning many championship titles and placing 6th in the British champs last August.

"Being one of the youngest to reach the final she had no expectations to be placed but amazingly she danced her way through three rounds of dancing, beating more than 50 girls to be placed third overall.

"We couldn't be more proud of her and all that she has achieved.

"Well done Ellie from me, Natalie and Miss Jeanette."