DANCE teacher Claire Worton stepped in at the right time - and won star billing for her students.

Claire, principal of the Constellations School of Dance, New Marske, followed up a magazine article she had read about Mardi Gras Promotions, which promotes young dance talent.

When she called the organisation about possible opportunities, she found that it had organised a sell-out show at Her Majesty's Theatre, in London.

Claire said: "I was told there was a cancellation, a school had dropped out and would we like the take up the place? They gave us just eight weeks to sort ourselves out and prepare."

Claire took 25 dancers to London where they performed two numbers, Colours of the Wind and The Lion King, to great applause from an enthusiastic audience.

"It was just an opportunity we could not miss," said Claire.

"All the children were thrilled to be performing at Her Majesty's.

"I am very proud of all my pupils and many thanks to all the supporters of the school."

An added bonus for the youngsters was rubbing shoulders with Cheryl Baker, of Bucks Fizz fame, the guest compere at the event.

Next year, the school will be entering a competition to win the chance of dancing at Disneyland Paris.