A young ballet star has been hard at rehearsal while her younger brother is in hospital in Cornwall.

Bethany Stevens, aged 13, from Northfleet, was chosen to perform in Swan Lake with the English Youth Ballet.

Her mum, Emma Stevens, had to rush down to Cornwall when her younger brother had appendicitis.

She said: “She’s been left on her own with family.

“She’s had to deal with worrying about her brother and keeping focused and working hard.”

The St Johns Catholic Comprehensive pupil, worked with the EYB last year at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, on their first production of Swan Lake.

Her mum said: “She had a whale of a time and learned a lot.”

She added: “She is doing really well, but her feet hurt.”

Another young ballerina, Bethany Mutch, aged ten, from Meopham was also selected to perform.

They have already begun an intensive ten day rehearsal process.

They will star in three performances at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from August 23 to August 24.