THE dance school responsible for teaching Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell his best moves is to open a new branch.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts is to take on students at a new school in Darlington from September.

Children aged from four-years-old to 16 years can enroll for weekly training in singing, dance and drama Principal Trudy Hindmarsh, said: "This year has been mine and my staffs tenth anniversary in the region.

"This latest expansion is yet another way of celebrating our success with Darlington families. We have always had a waiting list, so now it allows another 45 students to experience the ways in which Stagecoach can have a positive effect on their life skills and life chances."

Mrs Hindmarsh has won five local, regional and national awards for the quality of the work that she and her team do.

Well known graduates include Jamie Bell and X-Factor runner up Zoe Birkett.

To sign up for a place at the new branch, call 01325-337667 for an information pack or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk.