A performing arts pupil based in Leatherhead is to take on one of the leading roles in a reboot of the CBBC show The Worst Witch.

Jenny Richardson, a pupil at Dance Shack at the Nuffield Health gym, will follow in Oscar-nominated Felicity Jones footsteps as Ethel Hallow, leading character Mildred Hubble's arch-enemy, in the new series released in January.

The series, based on the books by Jill Murphy, follows a group of young witches at a boarding school for magic.

Among the star-studded cast is Game of Thrones actress Bella Ramsey as main witch Mildred Hubble, along with Downtown Abbey's Raquel Cassidy as Miss Hardbroom and Doctor Who's Clare Higgins as head teacher Miss Cackle.

Ms Murphy said: "Published 42 years ago, The Worst Witch has been the cornerstone of my career.

"I illustrate my own books, so I am very protective about them in every way, and I'm delighted to say that this wonderful new production ticks all the boxes.

"There have been a few changes, to nudge the Academy into the 21st century, but die-hard fans needn't worry, Miss Hardbroom is always on hand making sure that 'standards will not be slipping'."