IT could be straight out of a Disney movie script – a group of girls from Ramsbottom plucked from obscurity to perform for thousands of visitors at a world famous theme park.

Yet the fairytale is reality for pupils at the Debra Simmons School of Dance who will embark on a trip to Disneyland Paris to perform for the masses, along with three days' worth of free theme park tickets.

The youngsters auditioned for the chance to appear in a Disney show at the iconic theme park by choreographing three, three-minute dances.

Bosses at the Disney headquarters in America reviewed the video and the team of 26 dancers, aged eight to 17, were delighted when they found out they had been chosen.

Debra Simmons, who teaches the girls once a week at her dance studio in Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom, said: “I think the screams could be heard from all over Ramsbottom when I told them we were going to Disneyland.

“They are overjoyed and are ecstatic about visiting. They can’t wait.

“We had a party that night to celebrate the news.”

Debra and her class will travel to France in April next year for their performance on April 4.

Mum Katie Simpson, who is joining her daughter Holly, aged 11, on the trip, said: “All the girls are delighted. It’s a dream come true for some of them who haven’t been to Disneyland before.

“Holly can’t wait; she’s been over the moon since they found out the news.

“To help with the costs of their meals over there, the girls have started fundraising and planned a sponsored sleepover at the dance school.

“It’s like a little family of girly girls and to be going to Disneyland not just for the theme park but for a behind-the-scenes look at how things work and to perform, is extremely exciting.”

Corina Clark, aged 16, who has been dancing at the school for 10 years, had been due to go on the trip to Paris, but has since secured a place at the prestige Central School of Ballet in London.