SOME 150 young hopefuls flocked to Swindon's Wyvern Theatre aiming to kick-start a ballet career.

English Youth Ballet held two auditions at the theatre on Sunday in a search for dancers aged 8 to 18 to perform in The Nutcracker in April.

EYB spokesman Bridget Hearne said: "There was a tremendous response from youngsters. More than 90 young dancers were in the first audition for 8-11 year olds and over 60 in the second audition for 12-18 year olds.

"Of course there were some disappointed faces as they couldn't all get in this time around but English Youth Ballet are very pleased to be able to choose four very promising young boys - maybe the next Billy Elliots. It was very successful."

A total of 95 dancers were taken on by EYB, 20 from Swindon in the 8-11 section and 12 from Swindon in the 12-18 section.

Two Swindon lads caught the organisers' eye in particular - Keith Henderson, nine, from Chiseldon and Michael Sherlock, 13, from Highworth.

And two were chosen for scholarships Ashton Brooke-Thorne, 10, from Reading and Hannah Calvert, 11, from Worcestershire.

"Now the hard work begins with 11 rehearsals next year during which we coach them in the demanding roles they will have to perform," said Bridget.