SIXTY youngsters from a North-East town are appearing in a ballet production of Sleeping Beauty.

A total of 106 dancers from across the region have won places in the English Youth Ballet production and 60 of them are from Darlington.

General manager for English Youth Ballet, Bridget Hearne, said it was the first time so many dancers from the area were performing in had won places.

The English Youth Ballet offers eight to 18-year-olds the chance to dance in a full-scale classical ballet, rehearse locally and perform in their own theatre.

The production will be performed in seven theatres across the country with the lead roles being taken by professional dancers.

Ms Hearne said: "The dancers are fantastic, well-behaved and it's going to be a fantastic show."

Performances will take place at the Darlington Civic Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and 19.

Tickets are available from the box office on (01325) 486555 or group sales on (01325) 467071.

Published: 04/05/2004