A TEENAGE dancer has been raising money for a hospice while competing to be in the final of Miss Tees Valley.

Darlington schoolgirl Ella Barton, who is also a talented dancer and wants to own her own dance school, has been helping to raise funds for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, based in Middlesbrough.

The fashion-loving youngster, who is a pupil at Wyvern Academy, in Darlington, has been involved with the charity efforts as part of her bid to win the title of Miss Tees Valley.

She is working with the school’s parent teacher association (PTA) to try and raise as much as possible after reaching the final of the competition, which is scheduled to take place in August.

The 16-year-old has previously represented her country in dancing competitions, reaching the semi-finals of the prestigious World Street Dance Championships in Glasgow in 2017, taking part in the solo, team, quad and pairs competitions.

Now a member of On Point Dance School, she is studying jazz, contemporary, lyrical and street, as well as Btec dance and PE.

She hopes to go on to study at Darlington College when she leaves Wyvern Academy.

She has been sponsored by Keep Fit Darlington for the Miss Tees Valley competition.

If she is successful at the Miss Tees Valley regional final she will qualify for the nationals of Miss Great Britain.

She said: “I love the fashion side of Miss Tees Valley and I’m also enjoying working with the school’s PTA to raise money for Zoe’s Place.

“My friend took part in the contest last year and is giving me some tips. I enjoy competing.

“Taking part in the dance world championships was amazing.

“ The dream would be to dance with Diversity and one day to have my own dance school.”

Ella has been doing ballet since she was five-year-old and took up street dancing at school.

As well as looking the part in evening wear, a ballgown and a dance outfit, the 16-year-old dancer will be interviewed on a variety of topics and raise as much money as possible for the charity, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.

Assistant Headteacher Ruth Hampson said: “The school PTA is looking forward to working with Ella in her charity fundraising.

“Ella is demonstrating what can be achieved when young people have a passion and aspirations and are prepared to work hard to achieve their goals.”

The finals of the regional contest is due to take place in Billingham in August.