YOUNG Makayla Thomas from Cinderford is off to Blackpool this Sunday after winning gold in three categories at Talent Fest UK.

The 10-year-old, Littledean Primary School pupil took part in the national talent competition at Chepstow Racecourse in May where she competed in the junior dance solo, chase the stage (singing and dancing), and freestyle dance category.

She won all three and received a golden ticket from each category to go through to the finals at Winter Gardens this weekend.

The prize for the freestyle category is a five-day scholarship to the prestigious Pineapple Dance Studios in London next summer, and the prize for the solo category is a live performance on Sky TV's showcase channel. 

Makayla's mum, Stacey said: "I am appealing to the Review readers to vote for this young lady as she is not represented by a dance school at this event. There were thousands who applied from all over the UK, she has done so well to reach the finals."

Makayla has also just won a three year scholarship to Swindon Youth Dance Academy on the urban dance programme.

Stacey added: "There are only nine of these academies in the UK and Swindon is the only one in the south west. Having to go through the audition process she was accepted. Being 10 and one of the youngest to be on the programme, she has a superb opportunity to further herself in making a dance career."

To vote for Makayla visit http://www.facebook.com/">www.facebook.com/ events/1465207447085841/ and click on her page and like her picture.