A CHOREOGRAPHER from a Studley dance school is in the running for a top national award.

Lauren Craner, aged 23, who teaches at Latham School of Dance in Studley, is in the finals for the Barbara Sharples International Choreographic Award competition, which is open to young choreographers aged between 18 and 25.

It is run in association with the International Dance Teachers' Association and choreographers have to be a member of this organisation to enter.

Miss Craner has choreographed a dance to a piece called "Music" by John Miles, which includes three different styles of dance: lyrical, modern and tap. There are eight dancers in the group, who are all pupils of the Latham School of Dance.

The choreographer has successfully got through to the final of the competition, which will be held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on Saturday. (September 24) The prize for the winning choreographer is £1,000.