WEY VALLEY School pupil Amy Cook is celebrating after gaining one of only 20 places available county-wide in the Dorset County Youth Dance Group ‘Portrait’. Amy, a Year 11 student, said: “This opportunity will build my confidence and dance skills.

“I was a little nervous, but the contemporary theme is very enjoyable and suits anyone who wants to learn dance.

“The staff at Portrait have been very welcoming and they are really passionate about dancing.”

Wey Valley School’s head of dance, Julie Ashmore, said: “Amy is an absolute inspiration in the dance studio.

“She is a very driven and talented dancer, and a delightful young lady to teach. She deserves to go far.”

Phil Thomas, principal of Wey Valley School, said: “This is a fantastic achievement because over the next year Amy will get the chance to work with professional dancers and companies performing in events across Dorset and other parts of the UK.”