A ballerina's dreams will come true when she takes to her pointes with an American dance group after competing for the place against 30 of the UK's most talented dancers.

Kate Lyons, 20, from Netley Common, has been dancing since the age of three.

Her love of dance developed at the Em Jay School of Dance in Swaythling and three years ago Kate was awarded a place at the prestigious Central School of Ballet in London.

It was while at school that Kate auditioned against classmates for one of just two places at the Ballet West Company in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Kate will spend three months as an apprentice dancer with the company, training and performing alongside its members.

Kate, a former pupil at King Edward VI school in Shirley, said: "I was really shocked to be chosen, but now I am just excited.

"The company came to London and auditioned us for three days. I couldn't believe it when they told me I'd been chosen.

"Ever since I was small I have wanted to be a dancer. It was the music that I liked so much.

"I am nervous and my mum is sad that I'm going because she'll miss me, but it is a dream come true.

"I never thought I would get to perform in America. I always thought I would be based in Europe."