IT is a case of life imitating art. In scenes reminiscent of Billy Elliot, young Johnny Stephenson was teased mercilessly when other youngsters found out he was learning ballet.

The ribbing became so intolerable that he kept his passion a secret, not telling anyone.

But the tables have turned, because the nine-year-old, from a former County Durham pit village, won a place at a specialist dance school.

His message to others travelling from the North-East in search of West End adulation is: "Keep at it. Let nothing get you down."

Johnny, of Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, is one of many hopefuls trying to get a place in Billy Elliot the Musical.

He said: "My older sister did ballet, and I wanted to join her. I was delighted when my mother found out that the ballet teacher took on boys as well.

"My teacher made it fun at first and then started making it serious.

"I love dancing. When you do it bad, it makes you feel bad, but when you do it good, it makes you feel really, really good.

"When I started school at Tanfield Junior, my friends said it was okay, but the others used to tease me and call me names.

"I had another friend who packed in ballet because he was given such a hard time. I had to keep it secret in the end."

Last year, Johnny and his sister, Christina, were invited to go to Stonelands School of Ballet and Theatre Art, in Hove, East Sussex.

His mother, Susan, said: "One of my worries was that when he got to comprehensive, he would have got bullied. It is different where he is now because he can be himself."

Johnny, who auditioned for a part in the musical Billy Elliot, in London, made it to the final rounds, but was not chosen because of his age.

Ever determined, he will return to another audition when the producers visit Newcastle Opera House on Sunday.

Working title and Old Vic Productions are looking for boys aged ten to 14 who have a "natural flair, talent and passion, however unformed, for dance and a strong unbroken singing voice".

The producers will teach applicants all they need to see and assess their natural skills.

They will also be seeking to cast boys who can take on the role of Michael, Billy's best friend. A recent photograph is needed.

Youngsters should arrive at 9am to register for the auditions