Two children from Kent have gained places with dance companies in recognition of their ballet performances.

Hattie Lewis, 11 and Owen Horsford, 12 from Tunbridge Wells were awarded places with the National Youth Ballet for 2014 after being successfully selected out of 600 other hopefuls from across the UK.

They both attend weekly dance classes at Footsteps Academy of Dance in Tunbridge Wells and performed at the Stag Community Arts Centre in Sevenoaks last week and at the New Wimbledon Theatre in London.

Owen has also been awarded a place to train at the London Junior Ballet and will join this month following Footsteps Academy pupil Hannah Smith who has been training there for the past two years.

Principal of Footsteps Academy held in St Luke's Church, Emma Armour said: 'We could not be more proud of them. They are dedicated pupils who work extremely hard and deserve these fantastic opportunities."

Footsteps Academy holds classes in Tunbridge Wells, Fordcombe and Mayfield and offers Rad ballet, modern, tap, street dance and drama.

For more info visit: www.footsteps-dance.co.uk or call 01892 825172.