Fleur Armitage, of Todmorden, was one of 30 youngsters to be chosen out of 80, who danced at an audition in the senior section for 12-18 year-olds, held by the English Youth Ballet in Halifax. There was also a junior section for dancers aged between eight and 11-years.

A pupil of the Dawn Chapman School of Dance since the age of six Fleur will join 100 youngsters, who will perform the Nutcracker at the Victoria Theatre, in Halifax, on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

Dawn explained the importance of such a role. "The English Youth Ballet is a company that gives young dancers the opportunity to experience performing in a full-length ballet.

"The company selects different areas outside London for the performances. This is the first time I've heard of it coming to Halifax.

"We will be having a school trip to see her dance," added Dawn, who teaches Fleur modern jazz and tap as well as ballet.

Auditions were open for people who lived within a 100 mile radius of the venue. The principle roles will be filled by professional ballerinas with the rest of the cast chosen from the region's talented youngsters.

To book tickets, which will be on sale from mid-April, telephone 01422 354158.