A YOUNG ballet dancer is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his teenage idol after watching him scoop a prestigious film award.

Christopher Parkinson, eight, of Burnley, only started dancing a year ago and already has high hopes of becoming Burnley's very own Billy Elliott.

His idol, Jamie Bell, 14, played Billy Elliott in the award-winning film and beat off stiff competition from screen legends such as Tom Hanks and Russell Crowe on Sunday, when he picked up the prize for Best Actor at the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTAS).

Jamie won the hearts of millions as an aspiring ballet dancer in the British-made movie set during the miners' strike of the 1980s.

Now Christopher, a member of the Basic Theatre Dance Group, in Plumbe Street, Burnley, is hoping it will not be too long before he is mixing with the rich and famous after passing his first dancing exams with flying colours.

The youngster, who began dancing with his sister, Jessica, four, was honoured by judges for his ballet performance, as well as being highly commended for his jazz and tap displays.

He is due to perform in a production of Singing in the Rain, at Burnley Mechanics next month when he plays the part of Don -- the same part played by Gene Kelly in the 1950s hit movie. A pupil at St Mary Magdalene's school, Burnley, starstruck Christopher is currently auditioning for a part in his dance school's version of the Wizard of Oz to be shown at Christmas.

His mum, Joyce Macauley, has also tipped him for the top and said: "He could really make it as the next Billy Elliott. He's a very good dancer and he's definitely got the enthusiasm.

"He dances round the living room all night and he's always singing. He gets up in the morning and has a shower and as soon as the water hits his head he's singing. You could call him a walking talking Billy Elliott.

"He's really into the whole dancing business. He can't wait for Billy Elliott to come out on video because he couldn't see it at the pictures because he wasn't old enough."

The Royal Ballet School in London today said that there had been an increase in young boys taking up ballet because of the film but it was still a rarity. of Singing in the Rain will take place at Burnley Mechanics from Tuesday, March 13 to Saturday March 17. For tickets call the box office on 01282 664400.