TWO young ballerinas are dancing for joy after landing a major role in a musical and being accepted into a prestigious dance school.

Scarlett Ferrington, nine, has started junior associate lessons at the famed Royal Ballet School in London.

Her fellow student Madison Olatunji, also nine, will star in Nativity: The Musical at the Hammersmith Apollo later this year alongside Jo Brand.

Both girls have been training with The Morgan Academy of Performing Arts, Fillebrook Avenue, Leigh.

The young dancers’ teacher, Vanda Morgan, who also owns the performing arts school, said the school is very proud of the girls.

She said: “At the dance school, we are absolutely delighted for the girls and we do of course wish them ever success for the future.

“They have both achieved something really special.

“I have been fortunate enough to have worked with many stars along the way, such as the likes of Kara Tointon.

“The girls are extremely excited.”

She said Scarlett has started work at the ballet school and that Madison will start rehearsals in December for the show she is staring in.

She said this is a big deal for both both of them and that they have had to put in a huge mount of work to have achieved this.

Ms Morgan, said: “They are both a pleasure to teach and now want this so much.

“The competition is so tough and there are thousands of children who apply for these positions.

“These girls are both obviously very talented and have worked extremely hard to get where they have.”

The girls have already achieved so much in their dancing careers.

Scarlett is already in the Royal Academy of Dance at Grade Four, and recently starred alongside ex Hollyoaks actor, Danny Mac, in A Little Princess at the Royal Festival Hall.

She auditioned for a place at The Royal Ballet School with more than 1,000 other hopefuls from all over the UK, and is over the moon to have been successful.

Madison Olatunji, was chosen out of 100 other auditionees for a role in the Nativity, The Musical, starring Eastenders’ Danny Dyer and Jo Brand.

She will play one of the Oakmore School children.

Cathy Ferrington, 43, Scarlett’s mum said: “We are so proud of her.

“She works so hard and gets the rewards. I want to thank all the teachers who have helped her so far.”