A West Cumbrian youngster has tap danced her way to a national title.

Abbie Charters, 12, of Maryport, went one better than her second place last year by becoming Theatre Dance Council International British Junior Tap Champion at Marine Hall in Fleetwood.

The Netherhall School pupil was one of nine dancers from Rumney Greaves Dance Academy to compete in categories including modern and ballet.

Abbie has danced with the academy since she was two years old and her mum, Paula, was taught by the adademy when she was a child.

Abbie's dance to Nobody Does It Better, from the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, earned her the top prize, while Jodie Ismay, 12, of Maryport, and Jody Rafferty, 16, of Workington, also reached finals in tap and senior tap respectively.

Principal Jade Greaves said: "A number of elite dance schools entered, it was the best of Britain really.

"Abbie was so proud, it's amazing what she's done.

"She's definitely someone who can go on and win more things nationally.

"It's hard to put it into words really; it was a very proud moment watching the girls dance onstage in the finals among other elite dance schools.

"We were proud to be there as a school and to have a winner was something we never expected and we're absolutely delighted about."

The academy has gone from strength to strength this year since finding a permanent home at Enterprise Court in Workington in April and now has more than 70 dancers.