A DANCE tutor from Richmond has been crowned National Rural Young Person of the Year at the prestigious Rural Business Awards.

Charlotte Porter, who runs the Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance, based at The Station in Richmond, was announced as the winner at a ceremony in Manchester.

The award was presented by Countryfile’s Jules Hudson and aims to recognise and celebrate the successes of businesses and young people operating in the UK’s rural economy.

Miss Porter, originally from Reeth, said she was honoured to have won the award. “My love of dance led me to a professional career and took me to some fantastic parts of the world. Having moved back to the countryside I grew up in, I am passionate about giving children the same chance I had to experience dance and the arts.”

The Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance opened in September 2017 and has seen significant growth over the past two years and now has the pleasure to call The Station its home. The award also recognises Miss Porter's achievements outside of work in the rural community. She is proud to be a voluntary serving member of the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team and until recently a dedicated member of Reeth Young Farmers Club.

The school also supports AgeUK by providing seated classes in both Richmond and Reeth to help provide people of all ages chance to experience dance and the arts!

Charlotte would like to thank everyone who has so far supported her in her business journey and to all who provided wonderful testimonials on her behalf. The school is now getting ready and looking forward to performing at Countryfile Live in Windsor and a whole host of other exciting events in 2020!

Founded by rural-based businesswomen, Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, the Rural Business Awards are backed by Amazon and judged by an independent panel, drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.

For more information regarding the Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance and the classes they have on offer please visit: www.cjschoolofdance.com.