The Duchy Ballet now has its full complement of male performers following a media appeal in the Packet.

Kay Jones, artistic director of the youth ballet company, put out a request for more boys to take part in her upcoming production of Cinderella at the Hall for Cornwall at Christmas.

As a direct result of the appeal, and after combing the county and beyond for eager volunteers, the Duchy Ballet has a full cast of courtiers for Prince Charming's ball scene.

The Duchy Ballet's choreographers and dance teachers have been putting the lads through their paces, teaching them to waltz.

Kay said: "There's a huge range of experience and interest. Even the boys who have been dancing for years have been finding it difficult to waltz, so it really is about learning a new skill.

"We've needed more boys this year as the production has more male roles than in previous years.

"They are a really nice group of lads and are really enjoying themselves, despite having to learn some difficult steps."

The dancers range from Darrell Johnston, aged 16, who has been performing with the Duchy Ballet for the last seven years, to novice Oliver Ferris, aged 17, who is getting involved as part of his Duke of Edinburgh award.

Fourteen-year-old dancer Matthew Edmunds has been travelling to rehearsals in St Austell all the way from his home in Totnes.

They are joined by 16-year-old Ben Trudgeon from St Austell and, Alex Sowerby, aged 17 from Penzance, and Felix Billington, aged 23 from St Agnes.

Businessman Jason Lessiter, aged 34 From Camborne, decided to get involved after his mum saw Kay's appeal in his local newspaper. He attends classes at the Annette School of Dance with his two children, Jessica, seven, and Joseph, three.

He said: "Because I run two businesses which can be quite stressful and time consuming, I really enjoy ballet. It's peaceful and relaxing, but energetic as well. I don't necessarily want to do it professionally, I just thoroughly enjoy it."

The Duchy Ballet is sponsored by Coodes Solicitors, which is organising a gala performance on Thursday 29th March in aid of the Cornwall Community Foundation.

Managing partner Jeremy Harvey said: "We are delighted to support such a worthy organisation as the Duchy Ballet, which encourages young dancers to enjoy performing on a professional stage.

We are particularly pleased to be involved with the ballet's charity gala evening, which has raised thousands of pounds for worthy causes in the county."

Cinderella is being staged at the Hall for Cornwall from March 27 to 31 with performances at 7.30pm and a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday March 31.