A DANCER will study at one of the country’s most famous stage schools after winning a much sought-after scholarship.

Leona Lawrenson, of Feniscowles, is leaving home aged 16 to attend Bird College in Kent.

Leona, a former St Wilfrid’s pupil, will study dance for three years and hopes for a professional career in musical theatre.

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After 12 months of hard work and training after leaving school a year ago, Leona was offered places at several top stage schools including the Italia Conti and The Urdang Academy.

But after winning a Dance and Drama Award, which will give her help with fees and living costs, she chose Bird College, whose past students include Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm and Spooks and Sherlock star Lara Pulver.

Leona, said: “I’m so thrilled to be going in September. I worked hard to get the award over the past few months.

“I will live with a landlady and another student in Sidcup and I’m excited about studying and performing with other dancers .”

Leona’s proud mum, Rachel Welsh, said: “She has had this dream since a little girl and she’s been so determined and dedicated to achieve her goals.”

At the age of seven, Leona was one of only 20 candidates picked nation-wide to feature in the junior academy for ballet’s hottest young talents and she also appeared with the Royal Ballet.

Laura who lives with mum Rachel, dad Colin and brother Lewis, 13, will be missed by her family.

Since she first started dancing Leona has attended the Dance Factory on York Terrace, Feniscowles, run by Joy Wareing.

She said: “It’s been a joy to see Leona develop into the immensely talented girl she is .”