A pupil has become a dance ambassador for the UK's biggest secondary school dance programme. 

Emie Emin, of Blackthorne Drive in Chingford, is the first pupil from Waltham Forest to be selected as a Step into Dance ambassador and was awarded the role after being nominated by teachers at Highams Park School. 

Step into Dance is a partnership between the Jack Petchey Foundation and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and provides extra-curricular dance classes to 200 secondary schools across London and Essex.

The 12-year-old was one of twenty youngsters selected to become an ambassador and has been attending street dance classes at the Handsworth Avenue school since 2013.

She will now be tasked with meeting fellow ambassadors throughout the year to host events, reach out to MPs and meet VIPs. 

Emie performed over the weekend at Chingford Village Festival with Cerebro Dance School and has performed at both the Sadler's Wells Theatre and Royal Theatre in Drury Lane. 

She said: "I have learnt so much more than just how to improve my dance and I want to be able to spread the word about how great the programme is. 

"My aim is to reach out to as many teenagers as possible to encourage them to get involved."

Artistic director of the Step into Dance programme, Sue Goodman, added: "It was really wonderful to welcome such a lively group of confident, mature and enthusiastic young individuals to the RAD. 

"They make great ambassadors and I’m looking forward to seeing them carry out their duties at our upcoming events."