One dance couple have proved that you should never give up on your dreams after a huge turnaround in fortune at one of the UK’s biggest dance competitions.

Bradley Taylor, 17, and his partner Alice Smith, 15, danced their way to Latin glory at the Champions of Tomorrow dance show at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Their stunning win came just a year after they came second to last in the same competition.

They made the final of the ballroom section and came sixth, before going some way better to lift the trophy in the Latin section.

It was a surprise success but one that has proved to the teen couple that the hours of practice are finally paying off.

The couple train under Mark and Jayne Shutlar at the Starlite School of Dance in Larkfield, and were cheered on by family and friends.

Bradley’s dad Ian, who lives with his son in Crayford, said: “I was over the moon — they just went up there fighting to get into a final, let alone to win as well.

“It has been quite a rapid rise!

“My mum died just over a year ago and Bradley did say that he did it for her — she was a very proud grandmother.”

Mum Jayne was also there to see the win, while Alice, from Falconwood, was supported by parents Sarah and Barry.

Bradley and Alice are now ranked third in the country in the under-35s Latin category and fifth in the same age bracket for ballroom.