A DAZZLING charity musical was so successful that its 80-strong cast of young Southampton dancers has been asked back for a Christmas encore.

Budding performers from Sarah Mepham Dance Academy impressed a large audience at Central Hall in St Mary's with a rendition of Bugzy - a fresh take on musical classic Bugsy Malone.

Students from Solent University also took part in the production on Saturday, which was held in aid of the Hannah Foster Appeal and School Aid.

Academy leader Sarah Mepham said: "There was a lot of positive feedback from parents and the university, and we have been asked to repeat it at Christmas."

Sarah is now looking ahead to the academy's next production, in the university's purpose-built performing arts hall.