BOLTON'S own Billy Elliot -- 11-year-old Patrick James -- is jumping for joy after landing a high-profile role in a prestigious ballet company's forthcoming Christmas production.

The 11-year-old Turton High School pupil is now getting ready to take to the stage with the Birmingham Royal Ballet for their production of the Nutcracker Suite at Salford's Lowry Centre over Christmas.

Patrick, who became Bolton's answer to ballet's screen hero Billy Elliot when the BEN told of his plight to find funds to go to a specialist dance school, landed the role after an arduous set of auditions for the Royal Ballet.

The youngster and his family appealed for the people of Bolton to help raise the £64,000 needed to secure a place at Chester's prestigious Hammond School of Dance.

But despite failing to gain the necessary funds Patrick has landed his first of what should be many performing roles through sheer hard work and determination.

Proud mum Paula said: "Patrick has been an associate pupil with the Royal Ballet and also goes to the Lindsay Heywood School of Dance in Westhoughton.

"He has to train with the Royal Ballet on a regular basis and that's how the offer of the part came through. We were all thrilled when we found out."

Patrick has been interested in dance since the age of seven and says he one day wants to be centre stage with the Royal Ballet.

"It is only a small part in the Nutcracker Suite and it is more mime than dance but it's a start," said Patrick. "My mum first suggested I give dancing a try when I was seven and I haven't looked back."

Patrick's family including mum, dad Michael and twin brother Ciaran, will be on the front row cheering him on opening night at The Lowry Wednesday, December 20.

The show runs until Saturday, December 30 but there will be no performances on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

And while Patrick may not be going to the dance school of his choice his family believe he has the willpower to succeed.

"Patrick is incredibly dedicated and we are all very proud of him," said Mrs James. "He is going to a good school and goes to a good dance school so there is no reason why he can't take his dancing as far as he wants to."