TALENTED dance students from Worcester are finding their fame and fortune in London.

Harlequin Stage School students Dawn Williams, Hannah Rothery, Kimberley Williams, Sian Harriman and Sinead Kenny have all been awarded full scholarships or funded places at top dance or music theatre colleges in London.

Their friend Natalia Abdoush, aged 19, of London Road, Worcester, has decided to go straight into the dance profession and has been given a contract with a professional dance company in Cyprus.

Paula Dymock, principal at the prestigious dance school at Perdiswell Young People’s Club, Droitwich Road, Worcester, said: “I am so proud of the girls, most of whom have attended my dance school since the ages of three.

“I have seen them all win countless awards and competitions, perform in many shows and achieve top exam results over the years, but to gain places at these colleges is fantastic.”

After being offered several places at different dance colleges, Dawn Williams, from Droitwich, and Miss Harriman, from Redditch, both 17, have accepted a place at Bird College.

Kimberley Williams, also 17, from Droitwich, is to study at Millennium Performing Arts; Hannah Rothery, 18, from Battenhall, Worcester, at London Studio Centre, and Sinead Kenny, 18, from Birmingham, at Arts Ed.

Miss Dymock said: “With more than a thousand auditioning from all over the world for about 30 places at each college, competition is of the highest standard. I am also incredibly proud of Natalia because it is so hard to break into the industry but with our support she has achieved her goal.

“All the girls have worked extremely hard and are exceptionally dedicated. Along with the rest of the school they are now working towards the All England Dance finals in London, preparing for their final performances with Harlequin Stage School.”