A “REMARKABLY talented” Peebles girl has gained a place at the Dance School of Scotland.

Nina McDowell, 11, successfully auditioned to study full time at the country’s only fully funded centre of excellence for vocational dance training.

Nina, who is currently a pupil at Priorsford Primary, will start at the prestigious Glasgow centre after the summer holidays.

The 11-year-old honed her skills at Fiona Henderson School of Dance (FHSD), where she studied ballet, Highland, modern and jazz.

She has achieved a remarkable level in her dance exams.

School principal Fiona Henderson said: “I have taught Nina for many years, and it was very apparent to me early on she was a remarkably talented dancer. She has a particular aptitude for ballet, in which she excels, and has already reached Grade 4 which is an incredible achievement – usually pupils would only be reaching this exam standard when they were older.

“Whilst we’re sad to say farewell, all of us at FHSD are tremendously proud and happy for Nina and we’re wishing her all the very the best and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”