A YOUNG dancer is tipped to become a world champion, despite battling excruciating pain caused by a curved spine.

Thirteen year-old Rebecca Aburn, a Year 9 pupil at Greensward Academy, in Greensward Lane, Hockley, started Irish dancing when she was aged just six, after showing a natural ability when bopping around her kitchen at home.

Her coach believes she has what it takes to become a world champion, and he has vowed not to stop until he has got her there.

Mum Mikki Philpot, from Hockley, took Rebecca for a taster session at a local dance club after recognising the Riverdance type moves.

She said: “Rebecca was only six and too young to join the class, but because we’d turned up she was allowed a free taster session. By the end of the class, she had wowed the teachers so much they agreed to let her join. After just three months, she was competing.”

When the family moved to Essex five years ago, they struggled to find a club for Rebecca to join, meaning dancing became an on-off hobby for a few years.

It was not long until her ability was spotted by former world champion David James, who now coaches the teenager via Skype.

Rebecca also travels to Reading every fortnight for classes.

Her dedication and intense preparation saw her come third in Europe and eighth in the world championships this year.

Her mum added: “Her spine problem causes issues with digestion and heartburn. She must have constant neck ache and back ache, but she never complains. She just dances through it all. I am immensely proud of what she’s achieving and how she is coping.

“We believe she is capable of becoming world champion one day.”

Mr James, who was world champion in 1978, 1979 and 1981, has vowed to not retire until Rebecca takes the crown.

He said: “In Irish dancing, your body has to look really straight and really natural. Rebecca has to spend a lot of time controlling that posture to look good and to be successful. Every time she dances, she has to think about keeping her back straight or else the curvature would take over.

"I can tell that at times it’s a painful experience for her. I have to do a lot of reading of her body language to know when she’s too tired to carry on.

“I cannot think of another world champion who has overcome what Rebecca has to reach that level. I am confident she will reach that top podium which will be a staggering achievement.”