AN EXCEPTIONAL Crayford teenager with the world at his feet may have to give up his dream to dance.

Bradley Taylor, 14, has been winning ballroom dancing competitions since the age of nine but the family are now struggling to finance his spiralling career.

When his mother Jayne suffered a stroke four years ago, his father Ian became a full-time carer. The family now survive on disability allowance and income support.

Mr Taylor, who lives with Bradley in Green Walk, said: "I’ve been trying and trying and trying to find more funds, it’s really taking a toll on us.

"We’re trying everything possible, we don’t want Bradley to stop but we just don’t know what the future holds."

The Prince’s Trust recently paid for Bradley’s dancing lessons until October this year but costs such as travelling to and entering competitions can add up to five or six thousand pounds a year.

Mr Taylor added: "After October I don’t know what we’ll do.

"I feel devastated and my wife feels the same."

Bradley has been hooked since he was eight when he went to a dance class with his friend Kieran who refused to go alone.

Kieran dropped out but Bradley remained focussed.

His father said: "A lot of boys drop out but he just wants to keep going.

"His whole life is organised around dancing. "He wants to become a dancing teacher and a judge.

"He’s a boy of 14 who knows what he wants to do with his life, it’s not fair."

Susan Barrett, Principal of the Goodman Dance School in Dartford, knows Bradley is a special talent.

She said: "In a very short space of time Bradley has shown a great willingness to learn and has excelled in his dancing.

"He has huge potential to become a future British Champion."

Bradley himself realises the family are in a tight spot.

When he can’t afford to travel the 30 miles to his dance partner Amy Faulkner in Maidstone, his school, Haberdasher’s Askes Crayford Academy, let him use the hall to practise.

The family have spoken to various retail chains about support with no luck. They’re now hoping that a "generous benefactor" may be able to help.

Call Ian Taylor on 07807 663660.