A YOUNG dancing duo from Gwent have made history by scooping a double national title win – the first in a decade.

Joshua Hicks and Sophie Hayward, both 16, took part in the Champions of Tomorrow in Blackpool over the weekend and won in both Latin and ballroom categories.

The two-day event, organised by the DPA (Dance Promoters Association), saw dancers from across the UK take to the dancefloor of the seaside town’s Winter Gardens.

The pair were the youngest entrants in the competition, having qualified for the Under 35 level upon reaching the age of 16.

Their double win has meant that the two are top of the DPA's National League and they have been inducted into its roll of honour.

Josh, who lives in Parc Seymour near Langstone, was featured in the Argus in 2014 while he was searching for a new partner.

Mum Lisa Hicks was concerned at the time that her son would be forced to quit because he was unable to find someone to dance with of his own.

But after several successful partnerships with other dancers, a partnership with Sophie, of Cwmbran, was formed in June of last year.

Speaking after her son’s success, Mrs Hicks said: “Words can’t explain, it’s been an absolute rollercoaster.

"We always knew there was potential there for them to do well so it’s just amazing."

Wyedean School sixth form student Josh spoke of his joy at securing a title for one of his several dancing teachers, Birmingham-based Jackie Conway.

He has also taken lessons at Newport’s Dance World and Sharon’s School of Dance in Chepstow.

“It almost doesn’t seem real just the fact that we managed to win in both Latin and ballroom," said Josh.

“Me and Sophie became quite close quite quickly and we’re both very similar in age so I think that helped a lot.”

His partner Sophie, a sixth form pupil at Rougemont School, had only started dancing the two disciplines a month before forming the partnership.

She said that the pair aim to compete once a month but from October until December they were entering two competitions a month.

“I’m really happy with what we’ve achieved in so little time and I’m happy with myself having only started dancing Latin and ballroom last year.

“We’ve been quite busy this year but it’s all been worth it.”

Her mother Cerianne Hayward added: “To do what they’ve done over just a few months is an incredible achievement.”

The pair are now top in the Dance Association National League in their categories and are aiming to win the invitational National Championships in July.