A YOUNG dancer has won a place at a prestigious school.

Ella Boyd will begin Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham as a boarding pupil in September.

The 11-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, was selected following a rigorous two-stage audition and selection process.

Marion Lewis, her tutor at the Lewis School of Dance, said: “We’re so pleased for her.”

Ella started at the Lewis School four years ago.

She has been a junior associate of the Royal Ballet School for the last two years.

Mrs Lewis said: “We saw her talent on day one. We could tell she had something about her.

“She’s got a sweet little personality too. I hope she’ll come back and see us, I’m sure she will.”

Ella, currently a pupil at Durham High School for Girls, hopes to become a classical ballerina.