TALENTED Bury College students Paul Jones and Ibrar Haque let their talent shine through to each clinch a place at stage school.

Eighteen-year-old Paul was one of a select few to be awarded a £30,000 scholarship for the Lane Theatre Art Dance and Drama School in London. He was one of 700 people who applied for 30 places and had to visit the capital for a demanding full day of auditioning.

Paul, from Rochdale, said: "I did jazz and street dancing, recited a monologue and sang.

"Two weeks later I received a letter saying I had been awarded a full scholarship and didn't even have to go down for a second audition, which is usually the case."

A dancer since the age of six, Paul hopes to pursue a career in the West End.

Ibrar (19), from Bowker Vale, earned himself a place at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Edinburgh.

He hopes to become a sound and lighting technician and will be studying for a three-year degree in technical theatre.

The pair both start their courses in September.

Ibrar said: "I really can't wait and am counting down the days. The academy is such a brilliant place."