Forty-five local youngsters were given a once in a lifetime experience over the recent Bank holiday.

A telephone call to the Centre Stage Theatre School in Whitehall Lane, Grays led to them putting on a 45 minute long show on board the luxury Japanese cruise ship Asuka 11.

Berthed at Tilbury cruise terminal for just one day, the ship had asked their agent to arrange for a local group to put on a show for them.

More than 500 passengers and crew watched the youngsters, aged from four to 18, as they performed ballet, tap and modern dance routines. By special request the show finished with a ten minute long version of Riverdance'.

After the show the passengers and crew met with the cast and many photographs were taken to be shown to their families and friends back in Japan.

Sarah Cooper-Sutton, principal of the school, said "It was a great surprise when we got the phone call. It really was a fantastic, once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone who took part. Asuka 11 is a superb, very luxurious ship and the children were amazed when they saw it and went on board. They were very pleased that they had all worked extremely hard to ensure they gave their audience a great show."

The dance routines will be performed again as part of the Centre Stage Theatre School's show to be held at the Thurrock Civic Hall on Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 8.

For further information about the school telephone 01375 370836.