A DANCE expert has received an award after teaching thousands of children ballet during a career spanning more than four decades.

Diane Gulliford, 72, was presented with a Royal Academy of Dance President's Award by Lynn Wallis, artistic director at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).

She said: "I knew I was getting the award in July but was not able to attend the official ceremony in London. I wanted to get it in front of all the teachers who have helped me over the years."

Ms Wallis gave a masterclass to ballet students to mark the occasion around the theme of musicality.