Hannah Thomas is hoping she is set for a glittering career in West End shows after winning a place at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

The 16-year-old from Wellingborough now has her sights on fame and fortune.

She will be coached by some of the best in the business on her way to potential stardom.

However, it will be hard work as Hannah moves to London to focus her time on performance studies.

The talented dancer said: "It was amazing to get a place and a really big surprise. I didn't think I'd get in because it is quite hard.

"I love dance. When you perform in competitions it builds your confidence. I would really like to do shows in the West End."

And proud mum Lorraine Thomas said: "I am so pleased. Hannah has been dancing since she was very small.

"She was really shy and we only really discovered she had a voice when she was singing in the garden one day.

"Dancing has helped her become really confident. She has grown and grown in her ability."

Hannah started to dance when she was just two years old. She began by tapping her feet round the kitchen and doing routines in the garden.
She later joined Kilburn School of Dancing in Wellingborough and started to turn her hobby into a potential career.

She became comfortable with all forms of dance, including modern, tap and ballet dancing and was soon competing in local contests, once achieving the All England final standard.

Hannah decided she wanted to study dance full-time and was due to attend a performing arts course at Northampton College in the autumn. However, she decided to apply to the Italia Conti Academy a shot at the last minute because of its top reputation.

She only had a week to prepare but soon impressed the judges with an audition which included dance, acting and singing.

Kilburn School of Dance principal Amanda Wilkins: "We will be very sad to lose Hannah but we are wishing her well for the future. We are sure she will do well."