AN OXFORD estate can lay claim to having the best street dancers in the country following a triumphant performance at the World Hip Hop Championships.

Nine mini-dancers based at the Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre outperformed their England teammates - and most of the world - at the five-day competition in Bremen, Germany.

Several solo members of the team, including Kyron Anthony, ten, Kada Marshall, ten, Levon De Silva, 13, and Elise Claire, 12, finished in the top 30 in the world and ahead of all other English competitors.

Another five dancers from Oxford also finished 11th in the world in the group category after performing a two-minute routine in front of thousands of people.

All of the children had practised their hip hop moves including body popping, top rocks and freezes for months before competing against chidren from countries including Japan, Australia and the USA at the tournament.

Kelly Chandler, who teaches the children their hip hop and urban music dance moves at the Pegasus Road leisure centre, said: "They have proved they are the best in England.

"There aren't many people that can say they have represented their country, and these kids are really young.

"All the kids in dance class yesterday were still on a high from it all."

Most of the team had performed at last year's world championships in Bremen in October but Levon, from Coriander Way, Greater Leys, made his dance debut.

He finished 13th in the world in the under-16s solo category, and said: "It was really nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. I was so scared but when you start dancing the nerves go away and you start to perform."

His mum Caroline, who also travelled to Germany, added: "I am chuffed. He only started dancing in December so he has done pretty well. I am really proud of him."

Kada, from Nowell Road, Rose Hill, finished 16th in the under-12 girls solo category - eight places down on last year.

But she remains the best female dancer in the country in her age group, and her mum Jennifer said: "I just feel overwhelmed. I lost my voice while I was over there - I was beside myself.

"Your heart just starts racing when you watch them and you go through every move with them."

The dancers, who are trained by KC's School of Dance, are now seeking sponsors to help them get out to the European Championships in Denmark in October.

To sponsor the team, call 07771 508959.