A promising dancer is taking the first steps towards her dream of stardom by winning a major scholarship.

Laura Morrell, of Gavin Way, High Woods, Colchester, was among hundreds of hopefuls who auditioned for a part in the English Youth Ballet's production of the Nutcracker Suite.

Not only was she one of the 100 given a part, the 12-year-old was also one of two in the country given a year's scholarship to the English Youth Ballet.

The two girls who showed the most promise during auditions for the show, which will be staged in November, were awarded the coveted scholarships.

It means the Gilberd School pupil will get all her tuition, worth about £500, free.

Gary Morrell, Laura's dad, said: "It is a result of all her hard work and she thoroughly deserves it."

Laura, who is a pupil of the Gilberd School and Showcase Dance School in Colchester, also won the Nina Markham Cup in the Colchester Rotary Club festival last month when she got the highest score in the classical ballet section.

"She has been dancing since she was small and has worked hard," he added.

She will find out which part she has been given in the production of the Nutcracker at the Regent, Ipswich, in September.

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