A YOUNGSTER from Brighton Hill Community School has realised his dream by collecting a silver medal whilst representing England at the Dance World Cup.

Joe Hubbard-Bateman took on 23 other competitors at this year’s international tournament in St Hellier, finishing runner-up in the Children Solo Song & Dance category.

The 12-year-old narrowly missed out on top spot with his performance of Quiet, from the hit musical Matilda, earning him 87.3 points – just 0.4 points away from eventual winner Elliott Hanna.

For Joe, this is just the start of what looks set to be a flourishing career in dance.

“I was so surprised that I came second because everyone who danced had really good talent,” Joe told The Gazette.

“There was a bit more pressure than when I normally dance because I knew I was representing England and I did get nervous backstage, but the second I got on the stage all the nerves went away.

“It has been so much fun meeting people from different countries and making friends.

“I am just ready to keep on dancing and having fun.”

The Dance World Cup lasted seven days and saw more than 3,000 competitors from countries across the world come together to battle on the dancefloor.

The competition was live streamed on the internet – allowing millions of dance enthusiasts, friends and family of the competitors the chance to watch the competition.

Watching throughout the tournament was Joe’s proud mum Carrie Hubbard-Bateman, 36, who said: “We said to Joe beforehand just being in the competition is an amazing achievement in itself,” the 36-year-old said.

“But what he did in Jersey was amazing and collecting a medal at the end of it really tops it off for him.

“The standard of the dancing was amazing and I was just overwhelmed when it was announced Joe was second - we just can’t thank his dance teachers enough because they have been amazing.”

Joe has now earned himself a rest until September after a year which has seen him go on tour with the production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, take part in the new musical ‘Tolkien’ in Basingstoke and continue his studies for school.