A TALENTED teenager from Didcot has won a place at 'the UK’s most prestigious performing arts school' which boasts alumni such as Mamma Mia 2 star Lily James and Star Wars actor Daisy Ridley.

Darcey Shaw, a pupil at Europa School Culham, will be heading to Hertfordshire this autumn to study at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.

The 16-year-old, who is also a student at the West Berks Ballet School and Arts Educational School in Chiswick, discovered her passion for ballet at the young age of three but it was her first big performance in Oxford at the age of ten that ignited her love and made her choose it as her profession.

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The teenager said: “I am beyond excited to be attending Tring and am lucky to devote myself to full-time training.

“I shall miss my current dance teachers but will bring with me what I have learned so far to Tring.”

Darcey’s mum Vanessa is also equally excited for the great opportunity.

She said: “Seeing Darcey over the years working so hard and now to gain a vocational place at Tring Park School makes me feel so proud and excited.

“I cannot wait until the next chapter and the great opportunities for her.”