TWO dancers from the same County Durham studio have landed prestigious awards to help them pursue their dream careers.

Siobhan Murray and Stuart Thompson won two of the five Elsa Wilkes Bursary Awards presented to North-East dancers by the International Dance Teacher's Association (IDTA) this year.

Siobhan, 17, of Ferryhill, and Stuart, 15, from Helmington Row, near Crook, were nominated along with Tara Sweeting, 15, of Ferryhill, by dance teacher Joanne Banks, of Studio 10, in Spennymoor.

Mrs Banks said: “We are extremely proud that two of the three dancers we put forward won two of the five awards available.

“They are dedicated and talented dancers who both want a career in dance or performing arts.

“The award carries some prestige but also a financial contribution to their studies and development in dance, which will help them attend auditions and apply for full time performing arts training.

“Tara also did well, the 40 plus people who took part are some of the region's best young dancers.”

To secure the awards the duo had to show skill and potential in ballet, tap, modern jazz and musical theatre.

Siobhan and Stuart have both performed with The Joanne Banks Dancers since they were in primary school and starred in productions such as pantomimes at Darlington Civic Theatre.

The Joanne Banks Dancers are currently in rehearsals for an annual revue show, One Day Like This, at Darlington Civic Theatre from Thursday, July 4 to Saturday, July 6.

Tickets £15 from Studio 10 on 01388-420210 or the theatre box office on 01325-486555.