THIRTEEN years of pirouette practice have paid off for Lucy Barratt who has been accepted into one of London's best-known performing arts schools.

Following in the dance steps of EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite, 16-year-old Lucy is enrolling at London Theatre

Studio in September, for a three-year musical theatre course.

Her acceptance this week comes after days of auditioning in London and years of practice at Pat Eakets dance school in Feilden Street, Blackburn.

Lucy said the competition was fierce for places at the exclusive school with girls from all over the world but hopes to use her place to launch a career in West End musicals.

"It was a really friendly atmosphere but it is so nerve-racking when there are girls there from Germany, Washington and Japan.

"I never thought I had a chance but it is fantastic news. It really is something I have always wanted to do - something for me and no-one else."

Mother Heather, of Whalley Road in Langho, Blackburn, said: "Lucy has always wanted to dance so we are over the moon.

"We were a little bit worried at first with it being in London but this is such a good school, it is wonderful."

Lucy, a pupil at St Augustine's in Billington, is waiting to see if the £10,000 annual tuition fees will be met by government scholarships.