A ROSSENDALE double-act of youngsters will be dancing their way on to the stage of a popular Christmas pantomime in December.

Naomi Jones and Rebecca Halliwell, both 11, from the Debra McLaren School of Dance, in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, impressed judges at the Cinderella pantomime auditions.

The dazzling pair will appear at Manchester Opera House alongside TV funnyman Brian Connolly from December 14 to January 18.

Naomi, lives in Schofield Road, Rawtenstall, with her mum, Virginia, twin brother Peter and sister Natasha. She has already had a taste of the limelight after performing on Blue Peter and appearing in pantomime with former Emmerdale star Tim Vincent, and ex-Coronation Street and Crossroads star Sherrie Hewson in Aladdin.

Naomi's proud mum said: "A lot of children start dancing at three but Naomi only started when she was six. When she wouldn't stop somersaulting and cartwheeling in the front room we decided to take her dancing.

"She dances at least four times a week which has helped improve her confidence and also help her in sports as she is now really good at cross-country."

Naomi, a pupil at Alder Grange High, and Rebecca, a pupil at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar, start rehearsals on December 8, continuing until the opening night.

Virginia added: "They will be performing two days on and two days off so we will have to make sure we pack the homework into their time off. It's going to be hard during Christmas travelling to and from Manchester and Liverpool for the rehearsals and the performances."