A FARNHAM schoolgirl has followed in the footsteps of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing stars by dancing to national glory at Blackpool.

Weydon student Tegan Perkins competed at the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom recently in the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) nationwide finals.

She and her partner Tariq made the final in the rock ‘n’ roll and freestyle contests (13 to 15 age group), and won both to be crowned double nationwide champions.

Tegan has been dancing for 10 years now at JanSu school of dance and has been dancing with Tariq the entire time.

To qualify for the nationwide finals in Blackpool they had to place in the top 12 in the regional South East qualifiers last May, and did so in style, again winning both their categories.

They have made the finals for the last six years but never quite made it to the top spot. This year they were determined and their hard work and commitment paid off.

Laura Butler, Tegan’s progress and achievement leader at Weydon commented: “What an amazing achievement for Tegan and her dancing partner.

“We’re very proud of her and so pleased that her dedication has given her this Championship title.”