A GIFTED dancer is following in the footsteps of a legendary entertainer in memory of her grandad.

Lauren Jones, a pupil at Middlewich High School, is learning a tap dance routine inspired by Roy Castle's world record performance outside the BBC TV Centre.

Northwich Guardian:

Dancer Lauren Jones has performed in countless amateur and professional shows

The 12-year-old, from Winsford, will join dancers in their own homes across the country in a sponsored tapathon for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer charity's 30th anniversary appeal on Sunday, May 24.

This is a charity close to her heart as her grandad Alan Jones died from lung cancer.

Mum Tracey said: "Lauren started ballet and tap lessons when she was three. She absolutely loves dancing and being on stage."

READ > Mickey and Minnie Mouse ride through Middlewich on a sleigh collecting food for the Salvation Army

Northwich Guardian:

Lauren Jones started ballet and tap lessons when she was only three

Lauren studies at Yvonne's School of Dance in Crewe and has performed in countless amateur and professional shows at the Lyceum Theatre.

The King and I and Bugsy Malone are among many shows she has starred in.

Northwich Guardian:

Talented Lauren Jones loves performing on stage

Playing Jemima in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, she was nominated for a NODA award for best youth in an adult production and was shortlisted to the final four.

Lauren was due to play the role of Pepper in Vale Royal Musical Theatre's show Annie next month but it has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

She was also rehearsing to play Tomika in the school production of School of Rock and hopes to perform in We Will Rock You in November with Curtain Call Productions.

After performing at Disneyworld in Florida with her dance school last year, she hopes to take part in a special performance to celebrate the resort's 50th anniversary in 2022.

Northwich Guardian:

Lauren Jones has already raised more than £300 for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer charity

The dedicated dancer attends classes in ballet, tap, jazz tap, musical theatre, lyrical modern ballet, contemporary and singing.

Lauren is currently doing virtual classes and online tuition on Zoom twice a week preparing for grade three tap and ballet exams which she is due to take in June and July.

"Dancing and being with her friends is what Lauren lives for," said Tracey. "She is really excited about the tapathon and is trying to teach me the steps."

Lauren has already raised more than £300.

To sponsor her visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lauren-tracey17