Exmouth's youth theatre company Centre Stage has qualified to take part in the All England Dance Festival after being awarded a distinction at the Exeter Dance Festival in mid-February.

The company performed 'You will Be Found' from Dear Evan Hansen in the Musical Theatre Group (21 years and under).

Judith Vardy, the Festival Adjudicator said: “This was a very emotional piece and you sang from your hearts, that was evident, with very nice harmonies; it bought tears to the eyes of all the audience."

The next stage of the competition is the regional final in Cheltenham, taking place between May 25 and June 2.

As well as preparing for the dance contest, Centre Stage is rehearsing for its production of Me and My Girl in April.

The show, first performed in London's West End in 1937,  was described as 'the happiest musical in town'.

It tells the story of Bill Snibson, a Lambeth costermonger who is revealed to be the new Earl of Hareford, to the horror of his newly-discovered aristocratic relations. Bringing him to Hareford Hall, they attempt to educate him into the ways of the gentry and separate him from his cockney girlfriend Sally - resulting in chaos of the most comical kind.

The show features a host of larger than life characters, witty one-liners and several toe-tapping, uplifting songs including The Lambeth Walk, The Sun Has Got His Hat On and Leaning On A Lamp Post.

Centre Stage's production opens at the Exmouth Pavilion on Tuesday, April 9 and runs until Saturday 13, including a Saturday matinee.  Tickets are now on sale at the Exmouth Pavilion 01395 222477 or www.exmouthpavilion.co.uk