THE Magnificent Seven rode again yesterday - but this time with a more delicate touch.

Teenager Toni Guillot and her six friends have been given the name - taken from the Western movie which starred Yul Brynner - by families and friends in recognition of winning the opportunity to appear at a West End theatre.

The girls aged 11 to 15 packed tap shoes and travelled to the Bloomsbury Theatre, in London.

Part of the Billingham S and N Dance School, the youngsters beat off competition at auditions in the North-East to join other young dancers in a West End talent show, under the direction of Derek Hartley, described by Toni's mother, Barbara Guillot, as the Wayne Sleep of the tap world.

"It's a once in a lifetime, great opportunity for the group,'' she said. "They have achieved such a lot.''

One of the group, Jessica Bancroft, 13, was chosen to dance a solo at last night's showcase event. The other dancers are Danielle Coxon, Katey Harker and Kayleigh Tweddle, Sarah Ord and Lauren Smith.

The group's invitation to perform was an extra surprise for Kate Nichol who runs the dance school with Kate Southeran.

It was Kate's 21st birthday at the weekend. She said: "It is a great honour for us and the girls and we are very proud of the group.''