THE moves of Irish teenage dance sensation Courtney Ringham-Randell are taking her to places she never expected.

Earlier this month, the 14-year-old’s dancing prowess saw her take her first plane journey to compete in the World and European Championships held in Dusseldorf, Germany.

And despite her nerves, the trip was worth it because she ended up rising in more ways than one, taking top spot in the European competition and second in the world contest.

These are her proudest achievements to date and the accolades take pride of place in a room, at her home in Tedder Close, alongside hundreds of other medals and trophies she has won. And she said she was delighted to have continued her success in Germany, and overcoming her fear of taking to the sky.

“I was obviously excited at doing so well,” she said.

“It was rather scary getting a plane over but I’m glad I did. I’m overjoyed to be the European Champion.”

Courtney started Irish dancing at the age of six when her mum, Christine, brought home some tap-dancing shoes.

“It was funny. I went past a second-hand shop all those years back, I got these shoes, they fitted Courtney, she started dancing on a board to Irish music and the rest is history,” Christine explained.

Throughout her dance career, the talented teen has travelled up and down the country competing.

As well gaining support from Christine, her dad Clive, sisters Carol, 33, Lisa, 30 and Erica, 24, and brother Nick, 29, are right behind her.

“I’m very proud of her, we all are. We go to every competition and the family love to see her do well,” proud mum Christine added.

“There isn’t anywhere I wouldn’t go to watch her. Travelling on the plane was scary for both of us but I tried to be strong for Courtney.”

In the future, Courtney would like to split her time between performing and teaching the next generation of Irish dancers.

Courtney spent much of her younger years practising her skills at the Boyd School of Irish Dancing in Cedars Close.

She now trains at the Farrell School of Irish Dancing in Gloucestershire and will be competition again next month.