ELEVEN-year-old Elliot Watson shares more than just a name with the hero of a hit film about a boy born to dance.

The Horwich youngster is hooked on dancing, just like Billy Elliott.

And he has put his talents to good use by raising hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity and for a children's hospital in Romania through a three-hour sponsored tap dance.

Now, the youngster has been nominated for Bolton's Champion Children Awards - run by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Prentice Howarth, in association with the Bolton Evening News - and will attend the presentation day at Bolton Town Hall on Sunday, April 10.

Elliot was sponsored to the tune of £500 when he took part in the tap dance at St Elizabeth's Church hall in memory of his 24-year-old cousin Rachel who died from cancer two years ago at her Northampton home. His mum, Kate, said: "Elliot was deeply moved by Rachel's death and felt he wanted to do something.

"His inspiration came from Roy Castle who on a video that we have of 'Record Breakers' did a million taps.

"So he took his sponsorship forms and posters into school, St Michael's Primary School in Chorley, as well as to our church and family."

Elliot has been going to dance classes since he was four and loves tap-dancing, said Mrs Watson.

He currently attends the Gillies Mar-Jan Stage School at Adlington and passed his foundation level Grade 2 exam in December with a distinction.

"It isn't easy for Elliot," added his mum.

"Being 11 and a boy who dances means he gets ribbed, bullied even, often and very unkindly.

"But tap dancing is his passion and he is glad to put it to good use.

"We are very proud of him."

In fact, Elliot is already a champion in the eyes of his family and friends - and could now leap even higher to success.