SUCCESS is on tap for a dedicated young dancer who cannot get enough of her favourite pastime.

Eleven-year-old Stephanie Lund was bitten by the dancing bug when she began lessons at the age of six.

Although the Lund family live in Shadforth, a small village several miles east of Durham, they make the frequent journey to Marley Hill, on the outskirts of Gateshead, where Stephanie is a regular of the Marron Stage School.

Under the tuition of teacher Vicki Richardson, Stephanie has attained an excellent standard in various categories, including ballet, modern, jazz and theatre craft, but her speciality remains tap.

She has won various awards and has just returned from the North-East of England Junior Tap Dancing Championship after victory in the ten to 14-years age group.

Proud mother Valerie said Stephanie's two-and-a-half minute routine impressed the competition judges at Horsforth, near Leeds.

"She's practised it well and it seemed to be flawless, we were very happy, and they gave her 89 points.

"Although she likes all types of dance her favourite is tap. She loves dancing and she's really dedicated.

"It seems to fill all of her spare time and she says she would like to become a dance teacher herself one day."

Stephanie also performed as part of the 60th Horsforth Festival of Music, Drama and Dance.

There will be no let up for the Lunds as they clock up the miles travelling to Lancashire, and Sheffield in coming weeks as Stephanie bids for further success on the competition circuit.