Former world champion American ballroom dancer Rex Jones is travelling across the globe to dance with a partner almost half his age.

Rex, 32, lives in Atlanta, Georgia - 4,200 miles from 18-year-old Stacey Poulter in Peacehaven.

He spotted Stacey's potential when she took part in the United Country and Western Dance Council world championships in Nashville, Tennessee, last month.

Stacey, her line dance teacher mother Sheryl and Rex now plan to take it in turns to cross the Atlantic each month to get ready for next year's American ballroom championships.

They aim to take home the coveted Masters title, which would make them the best in their field, although their first competition together will be The Big Apple contest in New York next month.

Stacey, a former pupil of Longhill High School in Rottingdean and winner of the line dancing contest at the world championships for four consecutive years, is also a member of her mother's Eclipse Dance Troupe.

Now she has turned 18 she is able to compete as a professional and get sponsorship.

She said: "Being on a different continent to your dance partner is quite unusual. But all the hard work and travel will be worth it. When you compete you get such a buzz. People cheer and shout their support - it's fantastic.

"I've been to competitions all over the world. Now I can't wait to compete as a pro."

Rex, originally from Alabama, arrived to start rehearsals in Peacehaven at the end of January with his black cowboy hat and dance shoes.

He said: "I've had long-distance dancing partners in different parts of the US but never on a different continent before.

"Sheryl's a great teacher and Stacey has so much ability it's amazing. I don't think I could have found a better partner anywhere so I'm willing to make the sacrifice to fly over here."

Rex, who has visited Sheryl in the past to help coach members of the Eclipse troupe, is also a fan of Peacehaven.

He said: "Everyone is so friendly over here."