AN eight-year-old boy from Blackburn could become one of the country's youngest world champions when he takes part in a competition in New York.

Nathan Haworth, of Peel Mount, Knuzden, a pupil at Intack Primary School will join other competitors in the world Beyblade championships in Times Square.

Beyblades - Britain's biggest selling toy - are modern-day spinning tops which crash into each other. The last one standing is the winner.

Nathan, the British Beyblade champion, will join 10 other elite competitors from around the world for the two-day contest which starts tomorrow.

Nathan flew out to America on Saturday, with his dad Philip, mum Alison and 11-year-old sister Emily.

Nathan, who was crowned British champion in May, said: "I know I'll be playing the best in the world but I've been working on some pretty special moves. I hope they pay off."