Whether he’s toe-tapping around the living room or high-stepping down supermarket aisles, Ashton Canty is always dancing.

The 10-year-old’s hard work certainly paid off when he was crowned North American Irish Dancing Champion in his age group.

He travelled to the competition in Florida aiming to get into the top 10 after the first two dances and couldn’t believe it when he made the top five.

Each competitor dances the hornpipe, which is in heavy shoes, and a rill, in light shoes, before the judges recall half the competitors for a set dance.

Ashton, from Princes Park, said: “When they called my name out I was so surprised and overwhelmed.

“I never thought I would actually get this far in Irish dancing.”

Ashton started dancing two-and-a-half years ago and now competes in regional competitions most weekends.

He said: “My sister started dancing and I got bored waiting for her so I thought I may as well give it a go. I like how powerful and different it is.

“The only thing I don’t like is we have to get up really early.”

His next major tournament is the British nationals in Manchester at the end of this month, followed by the Great Britain championships in October. Success here would see him secure a place at the world championships.

Mum Miya Canty, 40, said: “The standard is very high because there’s not many of them.

“It’s very overwhelming and competitive. We’re up and down the country most weekends.”

Ashton trains four times a week with his teacher, Frances McGahan, at the McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy, travelling to two sessions in Dartford and two in Essex.

Although mum takes him to training, dad Alan, 51, was the one who got to take him to Orlando for the North American competition.

His sister Hannah, 12, is also a championship dancer. Their proud mum said: “I love watching both of them.

“They’re both fantastic dancers and it’s great watching them grow.”