IT is a double joy for a dancing sensation from Egerton who has won two prestigious awards in just eight months.

Eight-year-old Mya Walker, who attends Sandams dance school in Farnworth, won the Nationwide Medallist of the Year Street Dance in March, then in November she beat 98 girls to the crown of Nationwide Medallist of the Year Freestyle and Rock 'n' Roll at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.

The youngster was bitten by the bug aged three after watching her older sister Elisha practicing her dance routines.

Proud mum-of-three Liz Walker, aged 46, cheered her on her younger daughter as she picked up her trophy wearing a brand new purple outfit.

Mrs Walker, from Egerton, said: "I couldn't be more proud of Mya. She did brilliantly and was over the moon when she was announced as the winner, especially at the second competition.

"She had a new outfit for the freestyle competition and said to me that it must have been that that helped her win. She's so modest.

"She's always loved street and freestyle dancing and says she can't wait to get back on the dance floor again for next year's competitions."

The Egerton Primary School pupil is following in her big sister's footsteps.

Liz said: "Mya is a very, very shy girl. She doesn't speak to a lot of people but she can go on a dancefloor and perform in front of thousands of people. If you were to meet her on the street you wouldn't get a word out of her – you'd have to know her for a while before she opened up.

"Her love for dancing started through her big sister Elisha. Mya would go to her dance lessons and she would always ask when she was allowed to join. When she turned three the dance teacher said she could start.

"Elisha is very proud of her sister. When she used to practice she would let Mya join in. Then when she sat her GCSE exams, one element was that she had to prove she could choreograph, so she taught Mya a routine and the pair of them did the exam together.

"Their father Chris used to dance too, as part of a street crew that performed in Bolton town centre. So it's definitely in the blood."