Two girls from Epsom have won a place at the London Children’s Ballet beating off competition from 700 other dancers.

Kyia Johnston, 13, and Annabelle Adey, 12, who both dance at the Laine Theatre Arts School in East Street, Epsom, endured a three month audition process which saw 700 dancers compete for just six places in each age group.

For Kyia, a student at Blenheim High School and an associate at the Royal Ballet School, this is the third time she has been selected to take part in the company’s annual production.

She said: “I am over the moon to get into London Children’s Ballet for the third year as it’s like a being part of a uniquely talented family of dedicated dancers.

Annabelle, who goes to Rosebery School in Epsom said: “I am looking forward to four months of rigorous rehearsals and the chance to perform in London’s west end - I am just so happy.”

Both girls will now begin a gruelling four month rehearsal culminating in a West End performance of The Little Princess at the Peacock Theatre on Thursday, April 19 to 22.

First published in 1905, The Little Princess follows the story of Sara Crew, a young girl born to a wealthy soldier in India who is brought to London for a formal education in the late 1800’s.

For more information visit londonchildrensballet.com or sadlerswells.com