An achievement award has given an Erith teenager the confidence to begin competing in Irish dancing after eight years of practice. 

Mollie Boone, 16, was nominated for the Jack Petchey Foundation award for youth work she carries out with the street work team in Bexley.

Boosted by this, she has now been dancing competitively since July 2014.

Jack Petchey coordinator Tony Ball said: "She's helpful, supportive and is happy to take on various roles. 

"She has overcome struggles, which has shown other young people that they can turn around things for themselves."

Mollie, who has also worked at a under 5's children centre since she was 11, added: "I've grown tremendously in confidence - particularly in my dancing."

The Jack Petchey Foundation was established in 1999 to recognise the contributions young people make to society. 

It has so far invested £90m in over 2,000 youth initiatives across London and Essex.