YOUNG dancers used to rehearsing in a village hall-setting stepped into the spotlight in London last night.

The 16-member troupe, from the Ruth Lord School of Dance, in Pittington, near Durham, staged four dance routines as part of the Young Performers' Variety Show, at Her Majesty's Theatre.

Following weeks perfecting their act, and day-long rehearsals at the West End venue, the ten to 16-year-olds made separate appearances on themes as diverse as Elvis, Western, Modern Street Dance and Dirty Dancing.

It was the most prominent setting so far for the two-year-old dance group, which practises on Monday evenings at Pittington Village Hall.

Theatre directors invited the dancers to take part in the variety show after admiring their routines on a video sent by choreographer Ruth Lord.

Following their big night, they were faced with a long coach trip home in the early hours.

Ruth is looking for new recruits to the troupe to join in the New Year. Anyone interested is asked to contact her on (07736) 053961.