A YOUNG lord of the dance has won the chance to represent Great Britain in a global competition.

Jack Smith is just 12 years old, but has already been causing a stir in the dance world.

He has quickly progressed through the ranks and is now heading to Africa to compete.

At the weekend, Jack won the under-16s boys heat of the Northern Counties Championships. He was then selected for a "dance-off" and won the chance to represent Great Britain at South African Dance Idol.

Jack, of Bilton Grange, said: "I was really excited when I found out. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I try really hard with my dancing. I train four or sometimes five days a week in gymnastics, contemporary dancing and doing competitions.

"Getting to perform in South Africa is really exciting, but also really scary. I'll be training a lot before I go."

Jack, who attends Andrew Marvell School, will be competing against young dancers from all over the world in the South African competition.

The contest is being held in November and will be televised.

His mum Zoe Harvey, 31, has raised Jack and his sister Alicia, 7, and looks after Jack's cousins Natalie, 16, and Nadia, 12.

Zoe said: "We've got three girls in the house, but Jack is the only dancer.

"He has been bullied about his dancing, but winning this competition will show them.

"He has been a massive dancing fan ever since he was little and started dancing properly when he was seven.

"His dream is to be a dance teacher.

"When he found out he won at the weekend, he was screaming down the phone telling us about it.

"We actually have family from South Africa and have never been there before, so it will be good to visit."

Jack is no stranger to the limelight and competed in the first series of Britain's Got Talent.

He took part in the show with members of Gemma's Dance Academy in east Hull, which is where he trains.

Members of the academy are now hoping to get some money together, so they can travel with Jack and support him in South African Dance Idol.