A BALLERINA has fulfilled a long-standing ambition by performing with the Scottish Ballet.

Kate Weston, 14, from Darlington, has been cast in the touring company’s production of Hansel and Gretel.

The show opened at the Theatre Royal, in Newcastle, on Wednesday (January 29) and runs until Saturday.

Her family and friends were in the audience on opening night, to offer their support.

Kate, a year ten student at Hummersknott School, in Darlington, has been a student of the Tiffany School of Dance, in the town, for many years.

She also attends the Yorkshire Ballet Scholarship Centre each week.

Her proud mother, Jill, said Kate has loved dancing from a young age and hopes to make a career out of it.

Kate added: “Although I am a little nervous about performing In such a large production, it’s a great opportunity and I am really looking forward to it.”