PICTURED: PRINCESS Anne chats to Sinead (left) and Kristin (second left) after the Royal Charity Performance of the National Youth Ballet's 'Cinderella'.

RAINFORD High School pupils Sinead Boughey and Kristen McNally have been awarded coveted places and scholarships for the main National Youth Ballet (NYB) 1998 season.

And now the girls, who had the honour of dancing at a Save the Children Royal Charity performance of the NYB's 'Cinderella' in front of Princess Anne at The Guildhall, London, are hoping to raise £1,000 sponsorship each to help with their fares to London rehearsals and performances later this year.

Sinead (14) has been chosen by Wayne Sleep to dance the lead role of Alice in 'Wonderland - Scenes from Alice' and will also be dancing at Wayne's Birthday Gala at Her Majesty's Theatre, London, which is due to be televised.

And 15-year-old Kristen has been chosen for the solo role of a rose in 'Wonderland - Scenes from Alice' as well as winning the lead role of Dolly Daydream in 'The Dolls' House Fantasia' and a part in the jazz ballet 'Just for Fun.'

The girls, both pupils at the Elizabeth Hill School of Dance, will also be appearing with the National Youth Ballet at The Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon, between October 21 and 31, and in a gala at the London Coliseum on December 6.

Anyone who would like to sponsor them can contact Donna Dawber at the St Helens Star on 01744 611861.

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