CATHERINE Zeta Jones may feel more at home in Hollywood but she learnt her dancing skills with Swindon star Pollyann Tanner.

Pollyann, 40, who runs the Tanwood School of Dancing, helped to choreograph Catherine's dances when she attended the Hazel Johnson School of Dancing in Swansea.

She said: "It is lovely to think I played a part in developing her talent. Catherine is a born dancer and could do everything I gave her instantly."

Now that Catherine has won an Oscar for her role in hit musical Chicago, Pollyann has every reason to feel proud of her former pupil.

Catherine, heavily pregnant with her second child, picked up the Best Supporting Actress Award for her performance as Velma Kelly in the film adaptation.

Pollyann's mother, Mollie Tanner, now 75 and still working at the Tanwood School, also taught the Hollywood star.

Mollie, who won the Evening Advertiser's Spirit of Swindon Award for making the town a better place, has helped local youngsters fulfil their potential for nearly 60 years.

Pollyann added: "Mollie is on holiday in Majorca at the moment but I'm sure she will be equally thrilled with Catherine's latest accolade. Mollie taught her ballet and I helped with her modern solos. It is about time the world acknowledged what a brilliant dancer she is."

During her teenage years, Catherine Zeta Jones cut her teeth by performing in festival dances and musicals such as Annie, Bugsy Malone, The Pyjama Game and 42nd Street.

Pollyann said: "My husband, David, used to chat to Catherine and always said she would be a star. Her raw talent was amazing."

Catherine took a break from dancing when she gained a lead role in the hit TV series Darling Buds of May.

But Pollyann always suspected her screen presence was a means to the end of dancing on a larger stage.

She said: "Catherine was very switched on and knew she would have to be a movie star to get sensational roles like Chicago."

Although Pollyann and her mother parted company with Catherine when she became famous, they still follow her progress closely.

Pollyann added: "We think she is fabulous and are so pleased she has revived her greatest talent dancing. She moves with such pizzazz, even when pregnant, and deserves this Oscar so much."

Still a popular star on Swindon's stage, Pollyann took the lead in the Wyvern Theatre's last pantomime - Dick Whittington.

She said: "Like Catherine, I hope many more years of performing lie ahead. But I'm too old to tackle roles like Chicago!"