Wolverhampton's answer to Billy Elliot has been cheered on by a long-standing member of the city council after returning from the World Cup of Dance in Portugal with a champion's title and gold and silver medals.

Wednesfield's Billy Ellits, aged 12, picked up his world champion award and medals after representing the UK at the event in Braga recently.

The youngster, who lives in Ashmore Park and attends Coppice Performing Arts School, is already a member of the Birmingham Royal Ballet and trains at Jordon School of Dance in Halesowen.

Councillor Phil Bateman (Lab. Wednesfield North) has followed Billy's dancing career with interest and is keen to champion the local lad's latest success story.

He said: "Ashmore Park is known for having produced several great footballers, but the latest champion that it has delivered is our very own world dance champion Billy, who has a major future ahead of him.

"Wednesfield has many skilled and talented people, but the cultural assets we have are largely unknown and we need to change this. I am as proud of Billy Ellitts as you can be. His family have always supported him well and I hope the rest of the community will continue to do so.

"It’s great when you know someone who is currently doing very well. He is a brilliant dancer and a very nice young man. He is incredibly versatile and dances everything from ballet to jazz. He undoubtedly has a brilliant future in dance."

Billy, who trains for around 19 hours a week, has previously performed as part of the ensemble in pantomime at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, appearing with Julian Clary in Cinderella in 2014 and later alongside the Chuckle Brothers in Peter Pan.

Much like Billy Elliot in the film and stage musical, Wolverhampton's Billy also overcame a battle with bullies who targeted him for being a boy who loves to dance and is now following his dream to the top.