Jessica Padmore (15), who goes to National Comprehensive on Annesley Road, paired up with George Bowyer (15), of Kent, in the UK Closed Junior Championships in Bournemouth.

And they achieved their remarkable finish, even though they have only been dancing together for nine weeks.

Jessica and George were up against 25 of the top under-16-year-old couples in the UK and had to do four dances – waltz, tango, foxtrot and quickstep.

Their marks from all four dances were added up to produce their final score.

Her proud parents, Debbie Padsmore and Neil Barsby, of Roderick Avenue, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, said: "We are delighted for her. She works so hard at her dancing and her schoolwork. She deserves this success.

"It is made all the better when you consider how far apart she and George live and how little time they had to practise together.

"She practises every night and travels all over the country."

Jessica has been ballroom dancing for three years and has been entering competitions for about a year.

She wants to carve out a career in dancing and hopes one day to open up her own dance school.

Jessica, who is taught by a variety of teachers around the country, including Hucknall's Dianne Haywood, said: "I want to thank my mum and dad so much for everything they do for me. Without their help, I could not achieve my dreams. I love them both."