CASSIE Wallace from Cumnock has gone from being a raw beginner to an accomplished dancing champion in the space of just a year.

She has just turned seven but, as our picture shows, she has won an array of trophies of all shapes and sizes.

A pupil of KG Star Dance School in the town, Cassie has more than 50 trophies to her name with the real prospect of adding more...and more.

Proud mum Carrie-Ann said: “She is quite talented, while dancing runs in the family with Cassie’s big sister Chloe also doing well.

“Cassie started just last year and, from the first night she attended the dance school, she loved it. Cassie is so dedicated now.

“She started dancing competitively a year ago and won her first trophy on August 21, 2016.”

The Barshare Primary pupil now travels the UK and Scotland to compete.

From taking to the floor as a novice dancer, in just over a year she has made it to the intermediate and championship sections in her age group.

Taking pride of place in the picture, with Cassie holding on to the handles, is her largest trophy which she won at the Festival Aviemore Championships in October last year.

Carrie-Ann added: “From an under-eight beginner, Cassie has now moved up to championship level.

“She will be defending her trophy over three days in October — Barshare Primary have been great and given her great encouragement.”

It has been a whirlwind 12 months since Cassie won first place in a competition at Easterhouse Sports Club — in the under-12 section, to lift her first trophy.

“Cassie enjoys all dancing, is particular stage and Acro but she loves the competitive stuff and it is now a family affair when she dances.

“As well as myself and Chloe, dad Gordon and her gran, Fiona White, goes along to cheer her on,” Carrie-Ann said.

Dedication, as well as natural talent, have been required for Cassie to reach the stage that she has, and she practices three or four times a week.

Dance teacher Kirsty Graham said: “Cassie has worked really hard over the last year but she has had a lot of fun along the way.

“She came to us with no expectations but she is doing it because she wants to, It is Cassie’s own choice.

“Our school has 10 champions but she is the first at under-eight level. It is a big achievement thanks to loads of practice in class.

“She keeps us all on our toes and can only get better. And she now has her own sponsor, Funn Dancewear, who are based in Cumnock as well.”