TOP Bolton dancer Kate Pomfret has won a scholarship at one of the country's most prestigious dance schools.

The scholarship, for the Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom, Surrey, is a dream come true for the dedicated 20-year-old from Egerton.

Kate has been dancing since she was a toddler and, although she specialises in classical dance, she also performs tap, jazz, Spanish and contemporary.

As a youngster she learned to dance at the Francis Bleasedale School in Bolton and then completed three years full-time training at Kate Symon's Classical Dance in Warrington.

She says: "This is something that I always wanted to do, I'm so excited. It's taken a lot of hard work to get there, but it will definitely be worth it."

Kate has previously been offered places at five professional dance schools in London, but, due to a lack of funding, has been unable to go.

To get one of the rare government scholarships, Kate had to compete against hundreds of other dancers in an audition which took place at the college. She will also receive sponsorship from Fieldings Porter Solicitors.

Kate has already starred in a number of productions -- many at the Thornleigh College in Sharples -- as well as a number of pantomimes at theatres throught the North-west.

But her ultimate desire is to perform in London's West End.

She added: "After completing my musical theatre course, my ambition is to star in a professional production of The Phantom of the Opera."