AN ATHERSLEY teenager will be heading for London later this year after winning a place at a stage school.

Edward Sheerien pupil Catrina Whittaker, 16, auditioned for two stage schools, London Studios and Italia Conti earlier this year and was accepted into both but chose London Studios because it focuses more on dancing.

She will spend three years on the course and hopes to achieve her dream of dancing in the West End. Catrina, of Wingfield Road, Athersley South, said: "I will be living in a flat and I'm going to have to grow up quickly. I will miss my friends and family but I am just excited to be able to have this opportunity."