DISCO diva Paige Sheals has overcome a lifelong illness to become a dancing champion.

The nine-year-old Astley schoolgirl was diagnosed with asthma as a baby and doctors told her parents exercise was the best medicine.

At the age of three she was taken to classes at Tyldesley's 180-Dance Club and now dedicates her life to her hobby.

The Garrett Hall pupil recently won the All England Champ of Champs title after winning the U10 championship and beating off all U12 age group winners for the top title.

Mum Soraya, of Acresfield, Astley, said: "Doctors told us dance was the best thing Paige could do because it expands the lungs. Now her whole life is dancing.

"Last year she had whooping cough and found it hard to come back but she carried on dancing and battled through. We would like to thank her teacher Donna Wyatt for all her help."

Paige, whose sister Ashlea, 12, is a doubles dance champion, has also won the All England title, but her biggest victory to date is the U6 European championship. She is now looking forward to competing next month for the British title.