A TEENAGE ballerina is jumping for joy after winning a place at a leading dance school.

Caitlin Godfrey, a student at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, has been awarded a scholarship at the Yorkshire Ballet School, in York.

The 15-year-old has studied ballet at the Rachel Coad School of Dance, in Victoria Road, Darlington, for the past 13 years.

She will now travel to York for weekly lessons in ballet and contemporary dance with teachers from the Royal Ballet Company and Northern Ballet.

Caitlin, who hopes to study dance at college after taking her GCSEs, said: “I am delighted to have been successful in the audition and think it will be a great experience and help my future career plans.

“I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Dawn Pilbeam, assistant subject leader for PE at Hummersknott Academy, said: “I am extremely pleased for Caitlin and feel certain that she will make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”