A PORTRAIT of a prima ballerina who began dancing in Leyland could take pride of place at South Ribble Museum and Exhibition Centre.

Marian St Claire, 56, is a top ballerina who started her dancing life in the Old Age Pensioners' Hut in Leyland when she was just five years old -- before becoming a contemporary of Margot Fonteyn.

She went on to join Ballet Rambert and helped set up the London City Ballet as well as performing for royalty such as the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who was a good friend.

And her mum, Margaret St Claire Allsopp, of Leyland Lane, has a stunning portrait of her daughter currently propped up in her bedroom.

The black and white picture shows off Marian's talent as a prima ballerina as she leaps gracefully into action. It was taken by Anthony Crickmay who has exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and taken pictures of Tony Blair.

Now after hearing Margaret's story South Ribble council chiefs have offered a space either in the Civic Centre or at South Ribble Museum and Exhibition Centre.

Leader of the council Howard Gore said: "As a family they are obviously steeped in the history of South Ribble and we would welcome the opportunity to display this picture." Margaret, 82, said: "I don't think it's right that it's just sitting here. I would love it to be on display for people to see and I'm over the moon with this news.

"It's a very beautiful print."

When Marian was 13 her ballet teacher in Leyland suggested she move to the prestigious Lorretto School in Southport.

Marian accepted her advice before being accepted at the Rambert School of Dance in London when she was 18 years old. After just three months of training with Rambert, Marian was taken into the company.

Margaret said: "That was the same day as my silver wedding anniversary. She came home and we all celebrated together. It was a very happy time."

Marian is Margaret's only child and she has followed her work closely watching her perform with various companies.