MORE than 20 young dancers were put through their paces during preparations for a stage show.

Choreographer Rita Proctor led 28 youngsters through dance auditions for the parts of the Teen Steppers in a production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, coming to the Empire Theatre, Consett, in December.

Miss Proctor spent two hours taking the young hopefuls through splits, kicks, jumps and other moves, before 11 were selected for the show.

Sue Fox, marketing manager for Leisureworks, said: "The quality of dance that was demonstrated during the afternoon was of such a high standard, I felt I was watching a West End show not just attending auditions.

"Many of these young people are so talented that they are sure to have a future on the stage and I am delighted that 11 of them are going to be involved with our pantomime.

"I really feel that we must have captured some of the cream of the region's talent, and can't wait to see them perform during the pantomime run."

The show will feature Juliette Kaplan, from Last of the Summer Wine, as the Wicked Queen and Pee Wee Price as Muddles. Jessica Parker, from Durham City, will play Snow White.

The show runs from Wednesday, December 10, until Sunday, January 4.

Tickets cost £12 for adults, £10 for concessions, £40 for families. Early booking discounts are available. For more details and to book tickets, call the Empire box office on 01207-218171.