Jig champ Jack copies aunt's dance success

An Irish dancing star has been born in Lincoln – eight year-old Jack Roberts.

The schoolboy has just claimed first place in the UK Irish dancing championships, following in the footsteps of his aunt, who won the event 20 years ago.

While most schoolboys are busy glued to TVs or computer consoles, Lincoln boy Jack spends hours each day perfecting his moves.

Mother Catherine Power said she had no idea how he remembered the intricate routines he had to learn for each dance.

"He has to remember vast amounts of steps – I don't know how he does it to be honest," she said.

Jack's success came in the under-nine category of the Irish dancing competition.

Twenty years earlier, aunt Colleen Roberts' victory in the same competition was the springboard for a career that saw her perform with Riverdance star Michael Flatley.

She toured the world for six years in productions of Lord of the Dance.

And it was at her Irish dancing school in Lincoln that Jack learnt how to jig.

Colleen said: "I am extremely proud, and it's such an achievement.

"I won it 20 years ago, and for him to win it 20 years later is certainly quite special.

"I am hoping he will progress to the world championships, and then go into dancing shows."

For more on Jack's success, see Saturday's Echo.