A YOUNG dancer has won a prestigious place with a top national ballet school.

Georgina Strickland, who lives in Nawton, is one of only a handful of children to gain a place as a junior associate of the Northern Ballet.

The 11-year-old, who has attended the Sarah-Louise Ashworth School of Dance in Kirkbymoorside for six years, will attend a weekly class in Leeds.

Sarah Louise said Georgina had gained honours in all her examinations and had also attended classes as a junior associate with the Royal Ballet for two years.

She also holds the junior ballet trophy at the Sarah-Louise Ashworth School of Dance, which is handed out annually.

“Georgina is a dedicated and hard-working pupil and after all her hard work throughout the year, she deserves a place at Northern Ballet, as it really is a fantastic opportunity,” Sarah Louise said.

“This is a great achievement as only a selected few ever have such an amazing opportunity. I am sure it will open many doors in the future.”