A BALLET student at The Petersfield School was jumping for joy after receiving an early festive present.Jamie Cooper was offered a lead role in the prestigious London Children’s Ballet production of The Canterville Ghost.To win the role the Year 9 student auditioned alongside 670 other young hopefuls, with only 60 going through for a final casting session.They then had to learn several parts, with the final selection confirmed on December 20, and Jamie was cast as second juvenile male lead playing Washington Otis.Jamie said: “I only heard late that night, and I am so happy – the competition was tough, so I feel very privileged."Almost as exciting, I found out that I have gained a distinction in my recent Grade Five Ballet exam.”

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde follows the fortunes of Hiram Otis and his family, including son Washington, after Hiram buys Canterville Chase estate and house, despite warnings from its previous owner Lord Canterville that the house is haunted. The production will be on at the Peacock Theatre, London, in April. More details available at: www.peacocktheatre.com