A DANCE school is in the running to be named one of the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for the regional Rural Business Awards.

The Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance, based at The Station, Richmond, has been shortlisted in three categories for the nationally recognised awards, held in partnership with Amazon.

The school is in the running for Best Rural Start Up and Best Recreational Business.

Principal and owner of the school, Charlotte Porter, has also been shortlisted for the Northern Rural Young Person of the Year award.

She said: "We are absolutely over the moon to be recognised as regional finalists for a Rural Business Award, and we are even more thrilled to find out that we're the only business in the region to be shortlisted for three categories! "It’s been a busy year, we have performed our first show at The Forum, Northallerton and we have had another successful round of exams with all students passing with distinctions and merits. We have also held several workshops with professional dancers providing an insight into the profession for our students who would like a career in dance. News of the short listing for the Awards is a reflection of the school’s achievements and hard work.”

Established in 2017, the business is going from strength to strength maintaining a 100 per cent success rate in all examinations.

Based in The Station, Richmond, the school offers classes in ballet, tap dance, modern theatre and jazz to children from two years.

It also have a growing choice of adult dance classes ranging from ballet and tap to theatre jazz; classes are for all abilities from those who have never danced before to advanced level.

More recently the school has partnered with Age UK Northallerton and Darlington to provide a Seated and Social class for those who enjoy dance but are less able.

The regional winners will be announced at the RBA's Award Ceremony in October, and winners will go forward to the national finals in February 2020.