A TALENTED teen, who is Sidmouth s answer to Billy Elliott, could soon be swapping the town s stage for the bright lights of the West End after being awarded a performing arts scholarship. Tim Gale, 16, found out last week he is one of four students accep

A TALENTED teen, who is Sidmouth's answer to Billy Elliott, could soon be swapping the town's stage for the bright lights of the West End after being awarded a performing arts scholarship.

Tim Gale, 16, found out last week he is one of four students accepted into the prestigious Tring Park School for Performing Arts on a musical theatre scholarship.

The delighted youngster, who is gearing up for a two week run in Triple Fantasy as well as studying for his GCSE's, can't believe his luck.

"At first I was a bit indecisive because I thought I would miss everyone but then I realised how special this really is. I'm being offered an amazing opportunity. I'm just so excited and want to go now."

The Kings School student will be boarding at the school in Hertfordshire and as well as taking part in acting, singing and dancing lessons, he will also be studying A-levels in biology, English and geography.

Tim was originally hoping to audition for a dance scholarship but when he found out he wouldn't be able to take his A-levels at the same time he swapped to Musical Theatre.

As a result Tim only took up singing classes around four months ago and startled everyone including his mum with his melodic notes-as his talent obviously knows no bounds!

Proud mum Jacqui said: "We are just thrilled he's got the scholarship-they are so rare. We are really amazed that he can sing as well, we had no idea.

"Tim is a really good role model as not many boys do dancing and it's such a shame."

The gifted teenager has been dancing since he was knee-high and originally trained with Finch School of Dance in Ottery from the age of 12 before transferring to Sidmouth Ballet School and East Devon Dance a year ago.

When Tim completes the two year course he will have a diploma in Musical Theatre and the stage is definitely where he hopes to be in a couple of year's time.

"Ideally I would like some sort of role in the West End. Something like Hair Spray or Chicago," he added.

And Tim's mum shares his enthusiasm: "A lot of people have said he's got that extra something-the X factor. I wouldn't be surprised if we see him on the West End.