Strictly scrum dancing

HAVING a ball Beresford Rudd

Beresford dazzles with his fancy footwork

TALENTED Beresford Rudd (5) is proving strictly perfect at ballroom dancing despite only taking up the hobby four months ago.

Fancy footwork in the tango, jive, waltz and cha cha cha saw the youngster win Sunday’s North West qualifiers for the Medallist of the Year in Manchester.

The Watersheddings School pupil will now represent the North West in the Nationwide Medallist of the Year competition this April at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

But his twinkle toes are not confined to the dance floor as he shares a double passion for Rugby League.

Mum Joanne Rudd (36), of Herbert Street, Watersheddings, said Beresford trains with St Anne’s Rugby Club, in Higginshaw Lane, on Friday evening.

However, rugby boots are swapped for dancing shoes every Saturday for dance lessons at Billingtons Dance Academy, Ascroft Street.

Mrs Rudd said: “During competitions, Beresford dances with me, we hold hands and he leads in a way.

“He loves dancing and was really pleased to win Sunday’s competition as his friend Owen Lee Moss came second.

“But he also loves rugby and trains every Friday as he can’t play until he is seven.

“He is very passionate about both rugby and dance, they are both similar as you need good co-ordination and discipline.”

Proud grandmother Brenda O’Connor, of Watersheddings, said: “He started dancing when he saw his eight-year-old sister Alanna do it and he wanted to do it as well. He has a natural talent for dance and enjoys performing in front of the crowds.

“I took his sister to the Strictly Come Dancing tour and he insists I’ve got to take him next year.

“Whether he picks dancing or rugby in the future, he’s a very active boy.”