TALENTED Leon Westcott will be hoping for the luck of the Irish as he attempts to dance his way to glory.

The 11-year-old will this week embark on his first trip to the Emerald Isle as he prepares for the World Irish Dancing Championships, which run from this Sunday to April 23, in Dublin.

Wearing his finest silk waistcoat, he will be up against the best of his peers from 32 countries in the under-11s category.

He qualified for the finals after being one of five children selected at the Southern England Oireachtas, in London.

Mum Teresa, of Stratton, who will travel out with him, said he got into dancing after seeing it on television.

“He’s been doing it since he was six, ever since he saw Michael Flatley and the Riverdance on TV,” she said.

“He used to perform in festivals and got to the All England finals at the West End where he came fourth. I’m very proud of him.”

Leon said he was excited at his first big trip abroad.

“I’m so excited and I think I can win. I saw it being performed and I said to my mum I wanted to start doing it,” he said.

“I’ve never been to Ireland before so it will be fun. I can’t wait.”

Coach Ian Boyd, of the Boyd School of Irish Dancing, in Ferndale Road, said Leon deserved his place at the championships.

Ian, who has trained two previous world champions, said: “I’ve been training Leon since he was about seven and he has got great potential.

“He wants to be like one of our other winners, Ollie Gemoli.

“The World Championships is seriously massive. You’ve got everyone from Canada, New Zealand, Europe and of course the Irish themselves.

“It’s an achievement just to get there and he was lucky enough to get through the qualifying heat.

“He practises every day and he has lessons with me for two hours three times a week.

“I’m dead chuffed for him because he works very hard and he really deserves it.”