BURY boy Layton Williams has the world at his feet.

For the bright lights of London's West End will beckon for the ten-year-old if he is successful in winning a part in Billy Elliot The Musical. The young dancer and drama student could be among eight out of ten hopefuls chosen by the casting directors either to play Billy or his friend in the theatre production of the well-known British film.

Layton is included in the national ten-strong shortlist after coming through two separate auditions. Now, the St Paul's primary school pupil is attending a learning school in Leeds every weekend with other candidates before the final lucky youngsters to feature in the London show are selected.

In keeping with the theme of Billy Elliot The Musical, the Bury boy is currently taking ballet lessons. The show tells the tale of young Billy Elliot who opts to become a ballet dancer rather than a boxer.

Layton's proud mum Michelle, of Wren Drive, Bury, said: "He's been dancing for the last year and a half and is a member of the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop. He's doing tap with Carol Godby and ballet at Centre Point in Manchester. Layton absolutely loves singing, dancing and acting and is an all-rounder.

"Now, he's going through to Leeds every weekend to learn the part and all the dancing, singing and acrobatics that go with the production. If he's one of the boys chosen, he'll either play the part of Billy or his best friend Michael during the production at London's Victoria Theatre."

If he is selected, Layton will move to the capital and live with a chaperone as he takes his first tentative steps towards stardom. The youngster is also a member of Carol Godby Theatre World's Popshop group and next month will perform a singing and dancing routine at Middleton Civic Hall.

Mum Michelle (30), added: "We are all keeping our fingers crossed that when the casting directors come back to Leeds, then Layton will be among those chosen for the production."

Billy Elliot The Musical is scheduled to begin its run in London at the end of May. The score has been composed by Elton John. The same team responsible for the successful film, which was nominated for three Oscars, is behind the stage production.