A BUDDING Billy Elliot from Rossendale earned a starring role in the ballet Giselle at Manchester’s prestigious Royal Northern College of Music.

Luke Wilson, 13, auditioned for a part in the ultimate Romantic ballet, a tale of innocence, betrayal and the redemptive power of true love.

Luke, from Ramsbottom, is a student at Haslingden High School where he is also a member of the after-school dance club.

He said: “I have been dancing at Rossendale Dance and Drama Centre in Waterfoot since I was six.

“I auditioned for a part in June and spent half term doing five days of rehearsals.”

Luke secured the role of the Butler, which saw him perform in front of an appreciative audience that included his proud parents Mark and Juliet and two of his teachers Lisa Southee and Vicky Allen.

Luke said: “My mum and dad told me it was really good. We performed it three times and it was so exciting.

“I was sad when it was over because it was such good fun and I have decided to audition for the next show which will be Coppelia at Southport next year.

“I love going to dance classes because I get to make different friends and the time goes so fast when I am dancing. I just love it.”

Luke is unsure what job he plans to do in the future but said he might consider being a professional dancer in the future.

Giselle, was first produced at the Paris Opera in 1841 and is orginially set in rural Germany.

It is based on the legend of the Wilis, spirits of dance-loving brides who have died tragically before their wedding day.