Shelly's fairytale success

Shelly, (11), of Horne Street in Bury, passed entrance exams and was all set to take her place at the Lagat School of Dance in Sussex.

But in spite of winning a scholarship to the prestigious school, Shelly's dancing future was still in the balance.

Fees at the Lagat stand at a staggering £12,000 per year and Shelly's family were unable to cover the cost without sponsorship.

The family appealed for cash from various sources but Shelly's case was becoming desperate.

Then, as luck would have it, the school came back on the eve of the first term to offer more cash.

And Shelly's family were able to make her dream come true by covering the rest of the fees.

Shelly's mother Mrs Audrey Anderton (44), said she was delighted with her daughter's success.

She added: "We were trying to secure sponsorship for Shelly but it was beginning to look like she wouldn't be able to take up her place.

"But in the end the school kindly offered Shelly a good scholarship and bursary. I am thrilled for her. She is over the moon."

Shelly, a pupil at St Chad's CE Junior School in Bury, will start her new adventure on Sunday (Sept 7).

She attended the Janet Lomas School of Dance, based at the Mosses Centre in Bury, for four years. During her time there, Shelly passed all her ballet exams with distinction.

Mrs Anderton added: "Shelly has done really well with her dancing and in her exams at school. She hopes to specialise in classical ballet.

"The headmaster at St Chad's was very pleased and thinks she has a big future.

"Four years at the Janet Lomas School of Dance has brought her up to a very high standard.

"Shelly is the second dancer to go to the Lagat School of Dance in the last twelve months after being taught by Janet.

"Shelly will board down there and I will obviously miss her. But you have to give your children a chance."

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