Tip top on their toes!

That's a number of Bury youngsters who have the world at their feet.

For the pupils of the town's Janet Lomas School of Dancing have achieved excellent results after entering the Royal Academy of Dance examinations.

Janet Lomas described their efforts as "exceptional", which is certainly illustrated by the figures.

She explained: "A pass with distinction is awarded to any entrant gaining 70 per cent marks and over."

In the primary section, pupil Emma Kilpatrick achieved 95 per cent while Sophia Taylor and Kate Allanson were awarded 93 per cent and 90 per cent respectively. In the same group, Arron Lever achieved 83 per cent. In grade three, Johanna Hadley was awarded a remarkable 100 per cent while Laura Anderton achieved 93 per cent in the same section.

The pre-primary presentation class entrants were Lisa Wardle and Rebecca Chapman.

Proud Janet added: "The Royal Academy of Dance is the largest and most influential public examining body in the classical ballet world.

"The individual results are such high marks and both myself and the children are very proud of them."

During the last six months, 18 pupils from the Elton Centre-based school, aged between three and 15, have also passed 46 exams in tap and modern stage.

They were also awarded the National Gold Cup 2001 by National Association of Teachers of Dancing. All had passed with top marks.

Ex-pupils from the school of dancing have gone further afield to achieve success.

After dancing all around the world, former pupil Julie Birrell has now successfully opened her own dance studio in Seattle, USA, and is to marry this spring.