STUDENTS at a dance school in Benfleet are celebrating after their "biggest ever win" has earned them a spot at a prestigious dance competition in Los Angeles. 

Pupils at Bramu Dance were "overwhelmed" after a first place finish at the World of Dance competition in London on June 28, earned them a £1000 cash prize and a place at the world finals in California.

The relatively new school competed against teams from China, Italy and Romania among others in the 18 and under Junior Division and emerged victorious after a stunning performance.

The group, under the leadership of teacher- Bradley Muggleton, will now begin preparing for their finals performance at Universal Studios in July next year. 

Bradley says he is "incredibly proud" of his students and hasn't stopped thinking about the win since.

He said: "World of Dance is such a popular competition and when we found out it was going to be in London, it was a no brainer for us to try and get a team together for it.

"The competition hadn't been in the country for almost 9 years but we didn't go in expecting to win. We just wanted to be a part of it. 

"The kids were very nervous but also so excited. We were by far the youngest team there and we had an amazing performance. 

"I am so incredibly proud of each one of them. It all comes down to moments and they delivered at the biggest moment.

"We will have the summer off and then start preparing for next year's performance in September. 

Bradley also hopes the win will build some more momentum for the school, who are "thrilled" to represent the country internationally.

"We have won a lot of competitions but this is such an impossible one to win.

"It is so massive for us. This is by far our biggest win ever.

"I started this school in 2020 and after a few difficult years, I think we are finally beginning to find our feet.

"Not many teams ever get to go to LA and we are thrilled that we get to represent the country. It's an amazing achievement.

"We have already been called to perform at a few places because of this and I hope we can build some momentum before next year."