A YOUNG ballet dancer has won a prestigious award for her commitment to ballet.

Olivia Roberts, from Broughton, was given the Louise Browne Award by the Yorkshire Scholarship Centre based in York.

The 15-year-old, who is a pupil at Malton School, dances at the school each Saturday.

She was presented with the award for her commitment to classes and improving her skills.

Olivia's mum, Julie, said she had always loved dancing.

"She started at Kirkham Henry Performing Arts in Malton when she was six and has continued to go there ever since," she added.

"Olivia auditioned for a place at the Yorkshire Scholarship Centre in 2009 and has progressed her way through to senior level."

Mrs Roberts said that last year Olivia was very committed to dancing and had recently won a place with the Northern Ballet senior associates in Leeds.

"Each Saturday we go to Leeds and then through to York, while during the week Olivia is at Kirkham Henry," she added.

"Olivia goes to school, comes home and does her homework then the rest of the time is dancing."

A regular on the Malton stage, Olivia, who is a member of Ryedale Youth Theatre, has appeared in a number of pantos and was Victoria in last year's production of Cats.

"All Olivia wants to do is go to dance school and then hopefully to take up dancing as a career," Mrs Roberts said.

"We are very proud of her and elated that her hard work has been recognised with this award which shows that she is doing well and that her hard work and commitment has been noticed."