TWO teenage ballerinas from Stonyhurst College, near Clitheroe have been selected for the English Youth Ballet out of more than 150 hopefuls.

Serena Marchetta and Maria Huerta will start rehearsals early next year for the ballet company's first performances in 2004 which is actually at the Charter Theatre in Preston on the 2nd and 3rd of April.

Serena, aged 16 from Fulwood , Preston, has been dancing for 13 years and is working towards the Advanced 2 ballet qualifications.

Maria, aged 16 is from Mexico City, Mexico and also dances for the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico when at home. Maria practises for 6 hours every day and takes dancing lessons at Stonyhurst College during term time.

Jonathan Hewat, marketing officer at Stonyhurst College, said: "It is a wonderful achievement."