A TALENTED young dancer from the Wear Valley is following in the footsteps of Jude Law and Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell by landing a part in a major production.

Alex Nicholson will appear in the musical show Orvin with the National Youth Music Theatre at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, in Scarborough.

The ten-year-old, from Arthur Pit Cottages, in Billy Row, beat about 2,500 young hopefuls who auditioned at Newcastle for a trip to London, where he was selected to join the show's cast.

Alex, a pupil of Peases West Primary School, has been dancing for nearly four years after being inspired by his sister Rebecca, 14.

The pair dance at the Joanne Banks Dance School, in Spennymoor, and Alex has already performed at the Sunderland Empire and Gala Theatre in Durham.

He said: "I've enjoyed dancing for a while and performing on stage is always the best. It is really exciting to be part of a professional show and seeing an audience enjoying it.

"I was really pleased to be chosen for this musical. There were a lot of people auditioned for a dancer's part.

"It will be good to work with the National Youth Music Theatre because some really successful people have trained with them and it will help me get better."

Over the weekend the ten-year-old was rehearsing with the National Youth Music Theatre, where Jude Law and Jamie Bell trained. He will be rehearsing again next month before the show's five-week run in July and August.

Alex needs sponsorship to travel to rehearsals and take part in the show. Anyone who would like to help can call (01388) 764044.