A BROTHER and sister have completed a rare double act, winning places at a dance school.

Christina and Jonathan Stephenson were invited to go to the exclusive Stonelands School of Ballet and Theatre Art in Hove, East Sussex, after attending its summer school earlier this year.

Diana Carteur, principal at Stonelands, said: "We only have 53 children in the whole school. They are selected for their potential, so for a brother and sister to be successful is quite an amazing feat."

But Christina, ten, and Jonathan, nine, are facing the reality of the astronomical costs involved.

Their mother, Susan, a single parent who is busy with her studies, is urgently looking for sponsors to give them a kickstart to their careers.

Ms Stephenson, who lives on a council estate in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, said: "We were overjoyed to hear they had been selected. They have worked so hard and deserve it. But I just cannot afford it.

"It will cost £25,000 a year, or £162,000 altogether to complete their education there.

"It is so frustrating. I have tried everywhere to get funding, including Northern Arts, the Millennium Award, and the Nesta awards.

"They either do not fund them or I have been told I cannot get help because they are not deprived or do not belong to a special group."

Christina said: "This is something I have always dreamed about. I have always wanted to become a dancer."

Christina and Jonathan, who go to Tanfield Lea Junior School, have risen through the ranks at the Marron State School in Whickham.

They are both experienced hands, having appeared in a string of pantomimes at Newcastle's Theatre Royal, including Peter Pan, Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk, alongside stars such as Denise Welch, Leslie Joseph and John Nettles.

Ms Stephenson said: "I am hoping to find businesses or individuals who will help sponsor them."

Anyone who can help has been asked to contact Sue on 07984 763076 or (01207) 234693