DANCE student Bobbie Bowes is saving up enough money to go to university by taking classes for children.

Bobbie, 17, of Albert Street, Padiham, is studying for her A-levels at St Mary's College, Blackburn.

But in 18 months she will be preparing to either start a degree in drama at university or enrol at the London Contemporary Dance Theatre.

In preparation for the high cost of living and course fees, Bobbie decided to start saving in advance while combining it with her love for dancing.

She will take the first of an initial four weeks of dance classes from Monday at the Padiham Unitarian Church and she hopes it will give the youngsters of the town something to do in their spare time.

The classes will include disco and street dance and are aimed at people between the ages of seven and 15 years.

Bobbie said: "It's something I love doing and I can hopefully raise some money for university at the same time. I will also get experience and I will be able to put it down on my university application form.

"I have had a few people ringing me about the classes but I'd like more, so we have been putting flyers up everywhere. I paid up front for the hall so it's a gamble but if it works out I'll be very happy."

Bobbie is currently taking A-levels in performance studies, textiles and PE, as well as an AS level in dance. She would eventually like to teach dance and own her own dance school.

She said: "I've liked dancing since I was about eight years old and I used to dance in the playground at school. I hope this will encourage more children to take up dancing. It is a popular type of dancing because it's the kind you see backing dancers doing on Top of the Pops."

Her mum, Karen Catlow, said: "I am really proud of her. I am a single parent and I have encouraged her to be independent and make her own way in life."

The classes will take place between 6pm and 7pm on Mondays at the church, across from Mamma Mia's, and will cost £3.