A SCHOOL boy near Whitchurch has earned a place in a specialist performing arts school much to the delight of his family.

Gethin Llewellyn-Jenkins, 11, is a pupil in Tilstock Primary School and he has been offered a place in The Hammond School in Chester which he will start in September this year.

Gethin started taking ballet classes when he was only four years old and continues to do ballet along with modern and tap classes.

His mother Gaynor said: "I could not be prouder of him.

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"Simply because he came to me when he was four years old and asked me when he could go and do ballet.

"I remember taking him for his first lesson.

"From that point on his dance has gone from strength to strength."

Whitchurch Herald: Gaynor said his decision to take up ballet had been a spontaneous one that he had made on his own: "I cannot pinpoint anything.

"He literally asked when he could go to ballet. He must have seen it somewhere whether it was YouTube or on video.

"He can't remember either."

He had struggled with being the only boy in many classes and his mother said it benefited him when he rehersed with other boys like him for a production of Oliver Twist.

Gaynor said: "There have been times where he thought he about giving up.

"When he got cast for Oliver, I think that was a big thing for him.

"He was surrounded by likeminded boys which was fantastic and great for him.

"That is where his passion lies."

Gaynor said her son was adament and determined he wanted to attend the Hammond School and was told he won a place earlier this week.

Whitchurch Herald:

She said: "He said I just want to go to The Hammond School.

"He also said he wants to open a theatre and dance company which encourages boys to go."

Gaynor added: "Gethin has told others for the last four years that he’s going to senior school in The Hammond.

"Gethin has achieved and has shown that determination has meant that following his dreams has been worth while."

Tilstock Primary School congratulated Gethin on his achievement.

Headteacher Rowena Kaminski said: "We are delighted and so proud that Gethin has secured a place in The Hammond.

"This is an incredible achievement, and we look forward to following his progress and seeing his future performing arts successes."