A YOUNG boy from Nailsworth Primary School was walking on air after winning a place at one of the world’s top ballet schools in 2006.

Elliot Gilfoyle, 11, was awarded a place at White Lodge, the lower school of the Royal Ballet School in Richmond Park, whose past pupils included Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcy Bussell, Dame Margot Fonteyn and Sir Anthony Dowell.

Elliot, from near Uley, was awarded one of only 12 places offered to candidates from around the world.

“He started dancing at the age of six and he’s always been focused,” said his mum, Jocelyn.

“He trains three times a week at dance studios in Quedgeley and every Saturday at the Royal Ballet School, Birmingham.”

Elliot’s dream was to join the Royal Ballet company and dance all over the world.

At the age of seven, in a school project, Elliot wrote: “I will play the star part in The Nutcracker and I hope everyone will know who I am.”

He was due to make his Royal Ballet debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in a production of The Nutcracker in December, 2007.

Elliot’s twin brother Edward said: “I am really pleased for him.

“But I am not interested in ballet. I’m into motorbikes.”