A TOE-TAPPING Widnes and Runcorn Sixth Form College student is celebrating after scooping a scholarship to a top college.

Former Bankfield High pupil Matthew Gregory has received a much-coveted place at the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts in Kent to study for a BA (Hons) in dance.

The college has a long-established reputation for dance and drama and even primed Widnes Spice Girl Melanie C.

Competition for places is tough - only 20% of auditions result in a placement offer at the college and even less go on to be granted a scholarship.

Matthew is no stranger to the stage. While at college he appeared in a production of A Tribute to the Musicals and is currently taking part in The King and I with the Birkenhead Operatic Society, which will hit the stage at the Liverpool Empire in April.

Matthew hopes to pursue a career in musical theatre once he has completed his studies.

Dance teacher Sharon Graham said: 'Matthew only started learning dance two years ago but has shown stellar talent and versatility.

'He is an all-round performer and has embraced a variety of dance styles like contemporary, tap, jazz and ballet.'