St Joseph’s Comprehensive in Port Talbot, who danced their way to victory in the Welsh Inter High School Street Dance Championships, have received their winning prize - a mini bus for their school for 12 months.

Out of 54 team finalists competing in the championships from across Wales, St Joseph’s was named the overall winner of the competition which was held in Cardiff in January.

The United Dance Organisation teamed up with the Welsh Assembly Government’s 5x60 programme – a Sports Council for Wales managed scheme in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, which aims to get secondary school pupils in Wales more active, more often – to run a professional dance competition for budding movers and shakers.

Michelle Lewis, the 5x60 officer at St Joseph’s, explains, "We are delighted with this prize. The mini bus will help us a great deal when it comes to extra-curricular activities as well as competitions and games against other schools in the area.

"This competition and winning the championships, has made a huge difference to the confidence and self-belief of the children. The dance crew worked extremely hard on their routine and all the hard work paid off. We’re already looking forward to next year!"

Regional heats were held in Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham and Carmarthen in November and December and the grand final at St David’s Hall in Cardiff on Sunday 18 January. There were two age categories for the team event, with school years 7, 8 and 9 competing in one age group and years 10 and 11 in another, along with a quads competition also for each age category.

Simon Dibley, CEO of the United Dance Organisation, explains, "Street dance is becoming more and more popular, especially within education; therefore we decided to provide the students across the country with an exciting and professional dance competition for them to showcase their talents. St Joseph’s excelled on the day and deserves this great prize."

5x60 provides pupils with a mixed bag of opportunities. Proving the most popular among girls is dance which features right at the top of the league table while football, fitness and cheerleading are also favoured. Meanwhile, boys tend to swerve towards dodge-ball but they also beat a path to the football pitch and the basketball court.

Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Philip Carling explains:

"The underlying goal is to encourage those who do not take part in sport to get active. When pupils are reluctant to take part, 5x60 officers are on hand to listen to concerns and to help overcome any hurdles."