School fundraises for New York dance opportunity

A school has begun fundraising after children were given a "once in a lifetime" chance to perform in New York's Times Square.

A group of children from Lawn Manor Academy in Swindon will perform alongside dancers from around the world for the Dance The World event.

The Wiltshire students have also been invited to work with a cast member from a Broadway show to help them develop their dancing skills.

Natasha Dixon, head of dance at the school, said it would be the first time the school will take pupils to the USA. It has appealed for help from local businesses and is holding fundraising events.

The students chose to chose to enter the event themselves and the trip will be fully self-funded.

"It's truly going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to perform in Times Square in front of hundreds of people, and I can't wait to see their faces light up," said Ms Dixon.

"However, in order to reduce the pressure of the costs of the trip on our families, we've come up with some great fundraising ideas, including a bake sale and sponsored walk from Swindon to Marlborough and back."

She said the trip would cost just over £2,000 per pupil, plus costs for costumes and some smaller expenses.

"We're also appealing for any local businesses who would like to help, either by sponsoring a pupil or providing some of the clothing and equipment we need to take with us."

The pupils are set to perform in Times Square in July next year.