A talented 16-year-old dancer is set to pack her bags for theatre school in London.

Sharon Maxwell, who attends the University Church of England Academy in Ellesmere Port, has won a place on a three-year performing arts with teacher training course at the famous Italia Conti School of Performing Arts in London.

It is Britain's and the world's oldest theatre arts training school.

Sharon has trained at the acclaimed Chriska Stage School on Exeter Road, Ellesmere Port since she was just three.

Her hard work has paid off and she currently holds the title of Cheshire and Merseyside Junior Open Modern champion after carrying off several titles and winning many scholarships over the past 12 years in ballet, tap, modern and Greek dances.

Parents Paul and Diane say they are ‘extremely delighted’ at Sharon’s success.

“She has worked very hard but we would also like to convey our thanks to Chris and Cathy Booth who are her coaches at the Chriska Stage School.

“Without them Sharon would not have had the success she has enjoyed,” they said.

Sharon is ‘thrilled to bits’.

“It’s all I ever wanted,” she said.

The Chriska has added its own ‘big congratulations’.

“Sharon will continue her dance training on a three-year performers course from September,” it said.

“She is the third girl from the school who has won a place at this prestigious college, following in the footsteps of Laura Challinor and Karen Williams who both started at Chriska.

It has wished Sharon ‘every success’.

Sharon will start her new life in London after she has finished school in the summer.