A STAGE school founder will receive a prestigious award after spending three decades giving youngsters with special needs the opportunity to perform.

Moira Brock, from Basildon, will be awarded the British Citizen Award (BCA) for Services to the Arts in Parliament in March.

The 71-year-old founded La Danse Fantastique in 1990, a stage school mixing children with special needs and able bodies through music and dance, ensuring youngsters get the chance to express themselves on stage.

She said: “I am overwhelmed and was a bit shocked when I first found out.

“It’s wonderful and I still haven’t quite got my head around it yet. You just do what you do and don’t really think about it until someone points the finger and says it.

“I feel very honoured that someone like me who has been working doing this for 31 years should receive an award for it.

“I just love it and the passion and love I feel I am able to pass onto the next generations and children..”

The British Citizen Award programme was founded in 2012, and is designed for people who have had a meaningful impact on their community.

Nominations are made by the public, are there are eight categories including services to the arts, business, the community, education, healthcare, industry, , international achievement, and volunteering and charitable giving.

The medal will be presented at a special event hosted by former Blue Peter star Tim Vincent.

She said: “I will be taking two close friends who have supported me through this whole project. It’s the people you meet on the way who help you, support you and give you that leg up when needed.

“I will get handed the award but it’s for everyone at the stage school. We were meant to putting on a show of Shrek at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon and our annual big shows cost about £60,000.

“Due to the pandemic we cannot do this but we are hoping a variety showcase event in October at the theatre.”