YOUNG Chippenham dancers have won two prestigious school places out of just 24 offered worldwide.

Corey Macdonald, 10, and Tara Morris, 11, have been offered places at White Lodge at The Royal Ballet School, which receives thousands of applications from all over the world and has places for only 12 boys and 12 girls.

Famous alumni of the school include Dame Margot Fonteyn and Strictly judge Darcey Bussell.

Both Corey, who goes to Kings Lodge School, and Tara, of Sutton Benger Primary School, are students of FitzGraham Academy of Dance in Forest Gate, Pewsham.

Corey's mum Laura Macdonald said: “We are very proud of Corey and all that he has achieved. He has come so far in the four years he has been learning ballet, but wouldn't be here without his amazing teachers.

"Although this opportunity has brought mixed emotions, we look forward to sharing this new journey with Corey.”

Tara, who has been with FitzGraham since she was six, has worked her way through eight grades in fewer than five years.

Her mum Helen Morris said: “As a family we are extremely proud as Tara has worked incredibly hard to achieve her dream. We are excited to see what the future now brings for her and to support her along this amazing journey.”

Co-principal and ballet teacher Rebecca Petty-Fitzmaurice said: “Proud doesn’t even cover it. This is such a huge achievement for them both and is absolutely testament to the hard work and commitment of the students, their families and all involved with their training.”

Other audition successes at Fitzgraham include Daniel Wilshire,16, who attends Abbeyfield School and has been offered places at Tring School of Performance Arts and The Hammond Theatre School, and John Bentley student Gabriella Macallister, 19, from Calne, who has offers for the Laban Conservatoire for Dance and The Iwanson International School of Contemporary Dance in Munich, and is also through to the final shortlist for The Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

Co-principal and teacher Wendy Graham said: “These audition results really help give our younger students something to aspire to.”