DANCE teacher Claire Worton stepped in at the right time to win star billing for her students.

Claire, principal of the Constellations School of Dance, Redcar, followed up a magazine article she had read about Mardi Gras Promotions, which promotes young dance talent.

She called the organisation that had organised a sell-out show at Her Majesty's Theatre, in London. Claire said: "I was told there was a cancellation because a school had dropped out and was asked if we would like to take up the place. They gave us just eight weeks to sort ourselves out and prepare."

Claire took 25 dancers to London where they performed two numbers, Colours of the Wind and The Lion King.

"It was an opportunity we could not miss," she said. "All the children were thrilled to be performing at Her Majesty's. I am proud of all of my pupils."

An added bonus for the youngsters was rubbing shoulders with Cheryl Baker of Bucks Fizz fame, the guest compere at the event.

Next year the school will enter a competition to win the chance of dancing at the Disneyland Paris theme park.