A YOUNG dancer is hoping to secure a place with the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London.

Jessica Huntsman, who lives in Malton, is through to the final stages after an initial audition in Manchester.

The 10-year-old, who attends Dance Expression School of Dance in Norton, is already a junior associate with the Royal Ballet School where she attends classes in Leeds on a Saturday afternoon.

Lucy Walker, who runs Dance Expression with her sister Anna Wragg, said: "More than 850 children worldwide auditioned for a place at the Royal Ballet School this year and less than 50 children boys and girls have made it to the final stage.

"Jessica will go to the Royal Ballet School in London for two full days of auditions.

"She has done amazingly well to get to this final stage Miss Anna and I couldn't be any prouder of what she has already achieved to get to this stage. Jessica is a beautiful ballet dancer and I’m sure one day she will be dancing on a very big stage somewhere."