Children are one step closer to the glamorous world of showbusiness after winning scholarships to a theatre school.

Ellie Freeman, nine, and Peter Trankarov, who live in Potters Bar, were awarded free places at Top Hat Stage School, at Elm Court Community Centre, in Mutton Lane.

The scholarships are worth £900 and classes take place every Friday during term time from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. The duo were presented with their scholarships by Mayor of Hertsmere Carey Keates.

Top Hat principal Warren Bacci says: “I am extremely passionate about our Top Hat scholarship programme as it’s a great way to give children with talent, whose families can’t afford for them to attend a part-time stage school, the opportunity to get involved in performing.”

“Some of our previous students who have won scholarships have gone on to pursue a career in theatre, landing roles in West End shows such as The Lion King and Billy Elliott, and appear alongside A-list stars in big-budget films.”