RICHARD BATSON A pair of well-known Norfolk twins have landed roles in a major rock show in Switzerland.

RICHARD BATSON

A pair of well-known Norfolk twins have landed roles in a major rock show in Switzerland.

But before they jet out on their first big contract after graduating from dancing school, they have been back home helping mum - not with the household chores but inspiring another generation of young performers at a dance summer

school.

Polly and Sophie Duniam, now 19, found national fame as pony-tailed 11-year-old actors in the roles of the Home Farm Twins in the popular children's television series.

But their real passion, having been brought up in a household dominated by mum Marlene's dance school at Cromer, has always been dancing and singing.

They have been in the children's chorus at the resort's famous pier show, but after three years at Laines dancing school they have just graduated with diplomas.

After a string of short-term jobs ranging from panto seasons to the chorus line at Norfolk's Thursford Christmas show, they have landed a one-year contract in the We Will Rock You tribute show to Queen when it kicks off in Zurich in September.

The pair auditioned with 400 other hopefuls in front of top TV choreographer Arlene Phillips.

Though they have occasionally been split up for single parts, they tend to go as a twosome - and being

twins gave them an edge on this occasion.

Polly said: "In one number all the girls have to be the same - so it helped being alike."

Sophie turned down a part in a Dance with Vampires show in Berlin so the sisters could stay together. "I did not want her to be alone in a foreign country," she explained.

But in the meantime they have been back in Cromer helping 20 local youngsters get a feel for the standards and hard work involved in being a professional dancer.

Joined by two fellow students and housemates, they have been coaching youngsters aged seven to 15.

Polly said: "People see the glamorous side of the job, but it is hard work. We have been training solidly every day for three years, and going to auditions three times a week."

Mum Marlene said she was proud of her daughters' achievements, adding it was a bonus to have them back to pass on their experience to other local youngsters.

She hopes to repeat the school sessions next summer and Easter, and plans to launch a new musical theatre course for the 16-plus age group in the autumn.

To contact Marlene's School of Dance for course information, phone 01263 515288.