Pupil's step to stardom (From Barry And District News)

Pupil's step to stardom

A YOUNG Vale of Glamorgan dancer has been awarded a priceless chance to study at the Elmhurst Ballet School.

Lauren Jones, 11, who goes to the Nicola Peros School of Dance in Barry, has been dancing for only three years. But teacher Nicola Peros put Lauren forward for the elite school.

The first audition, which granted her a place at Elmhurst, was held in January. Then Lauren, of Smithies Avenue, Sully, went back to try out for a shot at a scholarship, and was one of just 10 young people chosen. More than 500 applied.

The Sully Primary School student heads off in September to the Surrey school of dance but in August she will be attending a summer school in London.

Lauren's mum Debra said: "It started off as a hobby, but we soon saw that she has a real gift for ballet. It is now her ambition to become a classical dancer."

At the moment, Lauren and her younger brother Adam and sister Joanna go to school together but the scholarship will see the young dancer living in Surrey.

Debra added: "We are very grateful to Nicola Peros. She's very demanding, but a fantastic teacher.

"We're so proud of Lauren. It's going to be difficult letting her go so far away. But it's an amazing opportunity."