A TALENTED youngster is body popping his way to the top after competing in an international hip-hop competition.

Bailey Ereira, 12, of Cobden Walk, Pitsea, wowed the judges at the Ido Ido Hip Hop and Electric Boogie World Championships in Germany, finishing in the top ten in the under-16s category.

He might be the youngest member of the team, but Bailey, a pupil at the Appleton School in Benfleet, managed to achieve the highest finishing position of the England team.

Mum Tracy Ereira, 41, said: “We are very proud of him and he is doing really well.

“He started dancing about five years ago and has just really taken to it.

“He started with local competitions and was winning a lot of them and it has just gone from there.

“He trains at Pineapple Dance Studios and other dance schools during the week.

“He was asked to perform a dance show case at the Ireland Hip Hop Masters in April this year, to inspire young dancers by showing what results can be achieved through hard work and dedication.”

Bailey trains three times a week at dance schools across Essex and London and last year won the under 12s street dancing European Champ-ionship in Amsterdam, and his crew also came out on top.

Jeff Banks, assistant headteacher at the Appleton School said: “We are so proud of Bailey and his achievements; he is testament to what can be achieved.

“The fact Bailey achieved a top ten in the world finish is of no surprise to me as Bailey has a history of success.

I am certain Bailey will continue to improve.”