A ROLLERSKATING prodigy was “over the moon” after he was presented with a new pair of boots.

Bailey Hobbs, seven, is Colchester Rollerworld Artistic Roller Skating Club’s newest member.

His budding talent was first spotted by Karl Zabroski, general manager of the venue, during a public skating session .

The family were pulled aside and the youngster was offered a free place on the Federation of Artistic Roller Skating course for him to meet head coach Chris Fox.

Bailey flew through grades one to six in just eight weeks following in the footsteps of 16 time British champion Chris.

It takes the average skater more than two months to complete grades one to three.

Mr Zabroski said: “Bailey blitzed through and is now at a stage where he can compete.

“When you see him on skates he has so much control which is important for artistic skating. I’m a skater myself so I know a good one when I see it and Bailey’s a natural.

“He’s just taken to the discipline of training so well and to go far, you have to take it seriously.

“It’s not just about skating, it’s overall fitness and I see him going far.”

Before the surprise gift, Bailey was wearing roller hockey boots not designed for artistic skating and were holding him back.

The new pair were sponsored by Rollerworld just in time for his first regional competition later this year.

Chris said: “He was over the moon.

“It was lovely to see him so happy and to see one of the talented ones who have come up get rewarded.”