TWO talented young dancers from West Somerset are enjoying a taste of life at the top of their profession.

Nine-year-old Ellie Bradbury from Watchet and Guy Milton-Jenkins, ten, from Minehead have been given the chance to dance with the nationally acclaimed English Youth Ballet.

Ellie, who attends Knights Templar First School, and Minehead Middle School pupil Guy secured their places after successful auditions last November in which they faced competition from more than 150 of the region's most talented dancers.

And they will be among 100 local young dancers stepping out on stage with seven international principal dancers for a production of the classic ballet The Sleeping Beauty at the Weston Playhouse in March.

Ellie and Guy (pictured) who are both members of Minehead-based Spotlight Dance Academy, are currently taking part in a ten-day intensive rehearsal programme at Clevedon School ahead of their big break.

Guy, who also attends the Royal Ballet School Associate programme, has been dancing since he was about six or seven.

"It was suggested to me that I start and I tried different types of dancing," he said.

"I do tap, hip hop and ballet dancing. I am really looking forward to performing with the English Youth Ballet in front of lots of people and just doing lots of dances for them to enjoy."

The young cast will be appearing alongside Australian principal ballerina Amy Drew, who said she found them incredibly inspiring.

"The young Somerset dancers we are working with have great energy and attack," she said.

"Working in a professional environment gives the students a unique insight into life in a ballet company.

"Guy and Ellie are so lucky - I wish there had been something like EYB in Australia when I was training.

"I feel very privileged to be a principal with the EYB as I get to work with some of the UK's most talented young dancers."

Guy and Ellie will appear in three performances of The Sleeping Beauty from March 8 to 9.