Climbing onto the professional stage, a group of young actors and dancers have been invited to take their panto performance to Leicester Square.

Members of dance school The Studio in Kings Yard, Ampthill, were rehearsing for their upcoming performance of Jack and the Beanstalk at Bedford High School, when they were spotted by the manager of the Leicester Square Theatre.

He was so impressed by the cast of 22 young dancers, who are all aged between six and 13 years old, that he invited them to perform at his theatre in Central London.

Martin Witts, manager of the Leicester Square Theatre said: "I love a traditional panto, and Jack is about as traditional as they come.

"The girls' dancing is absolutely enchanting. I am really looking forward to welcoming them to London."

Led by The Studio's principal Maurice Kachuk, who has performed a pantomime at Bedford High School for the past 10 years and is playing Dame Trott this year, Jack and the Beanstalk will be performed at the Leicester Square Theatre on Sunday, March 7.

Sallie Phillips, whose daughter Bethan, 13, is appearing in the show, said: "The manager of the Leicester Square Theatre was very taken with the girls' dancing.

"I think he just happened to be there during one of the big chorus numbers.

"He opened his diary up and found a spot immediately. Everyone is very excited about it and a bit blown away really.

"Most of the girls have been dancing with Maurice since they were four and get to stage a panto every year."

Jack and the Beanstalk is on at Bedford High School from Saturday (December 19) until Tuesday (December 22) with performances at 2.30pm and 6.30pm.

For tickets, which cost £10, call 01525 840119.

Tickets for the London show go on sale next month.