A GROUP of high-flying ballet dancers have proven themselves to be top of the class after achieving outstanding exam results across the board.

The pressure was on the 38 pupils from the Linda Janette School of Dancing in Bury New Road, Prestwich, as they took their prestigious Royal Academy of Dance exams.

But they all rose to the challenge and made a clean sweep of success with every single one of the young dancers gaining a distinction ­— the highest level awarded.

Top marks were achieved in a variety of categories from the youngest members, from the school Year 6, upwards through the grades to those taking their final Grade 8 examination.

During the exams the budding ballet stars were marked by examiners from the Royal Academy who had travelled to the school from London.

They were then assessed on a number of technical exercises, with those taking higher grades as performing character dancing.

Teacher Linda Janette said she was delighted with the results adding: "They have all worked so hard and they really do come to class and work.

"We do achieve good grade results, but for all them, and the younger ones, to achieve distinctions is fabulous."