A YOUNG performer has received national recognition for her dancing and acting talents.

Amelia Hodgson, 13, who attends Lady Lumley’s School in Pickering, won a Creative Courage for Life Award from the Stagecoach Performing Arts group.

The award was one of 15 different gongs handed out at the group’s charity gala and award ceremony, held last month in London.

The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of both students and teachers.

Amelia was chosen from among stage students from around the country, each nominated by the principal of their centre, which in Amelia’s case is York.

Mum Tricia Guest said: “She started going to Stagecoach when she was four, and when she first started she was very shy. Forty-six thousand kids attend Stagecoach so this is a massive achievement. It recognises everything she’s done there.”

Amelia has appeared in touring productions of Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat and she’s been in shows at the Grand Opera House in York.

Tricia added that Amelia is also a champion freestyle dancer and has ambitions to do it professionally.