A REAL life Billy Elliott has been given a major award and a grant to help with his ballet training.

Matthew Cruddace-Wynne, who is to play Fritz in The Nutcracker, has been presented with this year’s County Durham Community Foundation’s Outstanding Achievement Award.

The 12-year-old received his trophy from Olympic swimmer Chris Cook, from South Shields.

Matthew, from Chester-le-Street, is performing with the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome and the O2 Arena, in London.

He said: “I am very surprised and shocked. I did not expect to get this award. I really enjoy the performing side of ballet. It is enjoyable to share your passion for dance with other people.”

Matthew has been dancing since the age of four, when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She made a full recovery, but Matthew stuck with his training, despite the stigma associated with boys in ballet.

Matthew, who trains for four hours a day, and is one of six boys in his class, added: “There have been people who have taken the mick out of me and jeered me about it, but I have to keep going to follow my dream.”

Matthew attends the prestigious ballet boarding school Elmhurst, in Birmingham, on a scholarship and has received £250 to help with his training.

His mother, Gayle Cruddace- Wynne, who is originally from Easington, said: “It is funny because I grew up where they filmed Billy Elliott, but I would not let him see the film until recently because of the swearing. We are all so proud of him.”

The event, which was held in the Castle View Suite at Durham County Cricket Club’s International Ground, was entitled Realising Dreams.

Guest speaker Chris Cook said: “We need to fuel our young people’s passion for sport with inspiration to follow their heart-felt dreams.

“Raising aspirations, providing reasons to strive and helping them to explore their fullest potential are all important in supporting our young athletes.

“The London Olympic Games is a great opportunity to inspire and leave a legacy. The true legacy will be left in the young people we inspire.”

􀁧 The four runners-up were also praised at Chester-le-Street yesterday.

They were 23-year-old British rower Nathaniel Reilly-O’Donnell, from Durham; GB Water Polo Talent Development Squad member Holly Short, a member of Darlington Swimming Club and Sedgefield Water Polo Club; 1st Byers Green Scout Group volunteer Dominic Dimucio and Shildon Amateur Boxing Club.

Mark I’Anson, chairman of the community foundation, said: “There are many incredibly talented young people in the North-East who miss out on opportunities as a result of their background.

“We are proud to be able to support them and help them to realise their dreams. This year’s nominations were all based on the theme of realising dreams.”