A student at Strode College in Street has been accepted into the English National Ballet's youth company ENBYouthCo.

James Bamford, aged 17, is one of only 20 students accepted to the company following a highly competitive and challenging audition process.

One of the UK's leading youth dance companies, ENBYouthCo provides opportunities to exceptionally talented young dancers aged 14 to 18.

The company receives hundreds of applications from aspiring dancers, with only a select few making it through the auditions.

Young dancers accepted to ENBYouthCo have an opportunity to work with a huge range of professional dancers, choreographers and musicians, as well as benefiting from the association with the globally renowned English National Ballet.

An aspiring performer and former student at Westfield Academy in Yeovil, James is looking forward to this unique opportunity.

He said: "I'm passionate about dance and the opportunity to be a small part of a world renowned dance organisation was something that I couldn't miss.

"I'm so excited be training and dancing with ENBYouthCo."

James works with ENBYouthCo each Friday, some Sundays and every school holiday. All this alongside studying for his A-levels at Strode College and continuing dance training at TLW Dance in Shaftesbury and the Swindon Dance Centre for Advanced Training in Contemporary Dance.

Lydia Williams, subject leader for drama and theatre studies, said: "James is a real asset to the Strode drama and theatre studies A-level course, bringing a wealth of energy, experience and enthusiasm with him.

"He works incredibly hard both inside and out of college, and for a young performer, he has already achieved a huge amount for young people in dance and community theatre.

"He is an inspiration to his peers here at Strode, and a fantastic role model for all young boys wanting to pursue an interest and career in the performing arts.

"We are incredibly proud of him, and will continue to support and encourage all of his future endeavours. Well done James."