A YOUNGSTER from Horwich, battling against asthma, has beaten all the odds to dance her way to the top.

Sophia Edge, aged 13, who has been dancing from an early age, thought she would have to give up her treasured hobby when she was diagnosed with asthma two years ago.

But Sophia, of St Bride's Close, Horwich, was determined to carry on and, according to proud mum Doreen, the challenge spurred her onto greater success.

The Thornleigh College student has won junior bronze, silver and gold awards as well as a senior bronze for ballet and tap dancing. She has also achieved the grade five standard set by the Royal Academy of Dance. Sophia was also in the winning team at the European Show Dance Championships in Somerset when she played the role of the genie in a performance of Aladdin.

The teenager, who is a member of the Horwich Academy of Dance, was also runner up in a solo beginners disco competition.

And she is a natural when it comes to picking up new forms of dancing.

She recently passed an exam in American style dancing after taking just one 15 minute lesson the week before. She also takes part in all the productions at her school.

Doreen said: "We thought she would have to give up dancing when she got the asthma but she was determined it would not stop her.

"She uses her inhaler every time before she dances and if anything it has spurred her on to do better."

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