A YOUNG boy, inspired by The Riverdance, has taught himself the steps to become an award-winning dancer like his hero Billy Elliot.

Sean McNicholas was just four-years-old when his parents bought the video of The Riverdance stage show which was to became his inspiration.

Mesmerised by the talent of the dancers on the video, Sean began to watch the tape in slow motion, teaching himself the difficult steps in his Billingham house.

By the age of seven, Sean had a firm grasp of the basics of Irish dancing and stated going to dance lessons.

Since then he has won a number of competitions for his moves and has appeared in talent shows at holiday camps around the country.

Despite preferring fancy footwork to football, Sean, now 10, has the full backing of all his friends at Holy Rosary RC School in Billingham.

Head teacher John Lyons said: "All the other children encourage him a lot. There is no sense that he is doing something sissy - they are very proud of him.

"He has appeared in a number of school shows and the other children all share in it with him."

Sean admires the story of Billy Elliot, as told in the blockbuster film starring another Billingham schoolboy Jamie Bell, and he hopes to continue with his dancing.

Mr Lyons said: "If life is good to him then there is no reason why he couldn't follow-up his dancing.

"He has to be seen to be believed. He is truly amazing."

Updated:13.05 Friday, June 29