THREE Hampshire teenagers are hoping to dance their way to stardom after their career prospects received a double boost.

Rosie Williams, pictured centre, and Maisie Holland, right, both 14, and 15-year-old Kate Blakey, left, have all been accepted by Springboard 2013/14, a dance bursary scheme launched by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Dance Up.

And New Forest District Council has agreed to give the Waterside-based trio free entry to Applemore Health and Leisure Centre, near Hythe. A district council spokesman said: “Springboard searches for outstanding young dancers aged 13-18 who are passionate about dance and aspire to be the next leading dance professionals.

“The scheme helps dancers create a bespoke training programme to enhance and develop their skills. Successful candidates receive up to £500 of dance training and development.”

Cllr Di Brooks, Cabinet member for health and leisure, added: “Only 12 dancers have been selected from across Hampshire so I’m delighted to see that three of the successful applicants are from the New Forest.

“By providing free access to our training facilities we hope this will give our talented dancers the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”