Dancers travelled from across the country for a creative festival of performers at Gresham's School in Holt.

Eastern Daily Press: Dance Festival at Auden Theatre, Gresham's School. Linzey Bryant, 15, from Central School of Dance, Norwich.PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYDance Festival at Auden Theatre, Gresham's School. Linzey Bryant, 15, from Central School of Dance, Norwich.PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

More than 400 talented youngsters battled in the All England dance competition over the weekend for a chance to be selected to compete in London.

And organiser Patricia Durrant said the standard this year was high. She said: 'It has been so busy this year that we have had to turn people away. Some of the children here are already performing in London, one or two in musical theatre shows.'

Contestant Mary Hills, 15, of Lowestoft has been dancing since the age of four and said she wanted to be a professional dancer.

The Notre Dame High School pupil said it took weeks of preparation to be ready for the prestigious event.

She said: 'Today was the first time I had performed my dance and the first time I sang at the same time.

'I was awarded commended but even getting selected to dance in London was good for me.'

Dance styles ranged from ballet to modern and tap, with some performers choosing to sing during their act.

The contestants were required to achieve commended and above to be selected to perform in the next heat in London.

Linzey Bryant, 15, of Norwich, a student at the Central School of Dance in the city, who has been dancing since she was two, performed a modern style dance at the competition.

She said: 'I love dancing, I wouldn't want to do anything else.'

The Cromer and North Norfolk Festival of Music, Dance and Speech is looking for more volunteers to help organise next year's event. To find out more contact Nona Grey on 01263 519238.