A BROADMAYNE dance pupil is celebrating being awarded a prestigious place with a national dance project in London.

Thomas Hardye pupil Zoe Cochrane, 15, fought off competition from around 80 dancers in an audition at the Rambert Dance College to win a place as a creative associate with the Dance Youth England project.

She will take up a five-day residency at the Royal Ballet School in the capital before performing at the Royal Opera House in April.

The teen said of her achievement: “I’m over the moon really; I’m so excited. I feel like all my hard work has paid off.

“I have had to give up a lot and have not really had much of a social life but I knew dance was what I wanted to do.”

She added: “I’m definitely looking forward to it. It will be such a good experience.”

Zoe’s mum, Julie Cochrane, said: “We, as parents, are extremely proud of Zoe and all her achievements. She is a very determined, hard working young lady.

“She puts 110% into everything she does as her ambition is to become a professional dancer.

“We are very pleased and excited for her as it will be a fantastic experience and we will continue to support her along the way.”