FIVE girls from East Lancashire have been selected by a renowned dance company to perform in their production.

The young hopefuls from Blackburn and Clitheroe, were chosen by the English Youth Ballet for Giselle at the Regents Theatre in Stoke-On-Trent.

Grace Cadermanpulle, Leonie Harris, Ava-Grayce Gregson, Tia Kelly and Katie Lambert are currently taking part in rehearsals at the Thomas More Catholic Academy in Stoke.

Thirteen-year-old Ava attends St Bede's RC High School in Darwen. her mum, Victoria-Jayne Gregson, expressed her delight over her daughter’s new role.

She said: “Ava has been dancing since she was 11-months-old and is the British champion of the World Classical Sequence competition.

“I’m very proud of her, but it is hard with all the travelling and training expenses, and as a single parent too. We’re currently looking for sponsorship to help with the costs.”

Katie Lambert of Feniscowles Primary School in Blackburn. grew up in the ballroom as her older sister Emily spent time rehearsing dances when she was younger.

Mum, Elaine Entwistle, said: “It’s absolutely amazing that she got in, she’s been dancing since she could walk.

“We have to travel every weekend, but her dancing comes first to me. Katie wants a future in this, and I’m so happy for her.”

Grace Caderamanpulle was put forward by one of her teachers from St Leonards COE Primary School in Billington, Ribble Valley.

Her Mum said: “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and Grace dances everywhere, even in supermarket aisles.”

Leonie Harris also attends St Leonards. Her Dad, Lee Harris praised all the girls on their hard work. He said: “I’m extremely proud of all the girls from Sanderson Dance & Fitness.

“Leonie works really hard and gets better while doing multiple dance disciplines.”

Tia Kelly’s Mum, Melissa Kelly, said: “They’re all friends so it’s great they get to dance together. Tia has only been dancing ballet for two years, but she’s doing really well.”

The English Youth Ballet has helped launch dance careers, with ex-dancers going off to join places like the Royal Ballet Company, and English National Ballet.

Trained by principle dancer, Monica Tapiador, the girls will perform three times from Friday March 1 at 7.30pm, and Saturday March 2 at 2.30pm and then at 7.30pm.