A DANCER from Worcester is the only British entrant to make it through to the semi-finals of an international competition in Switzerland.

Thomas Edwards, who is in his third and final year at the Central School of Ballet in London, was chosen as one of 93 semi-finalists from between 270 to 300 entrants in the Prix De Lausanne competition.

Mr Edwards, a former pupil of Worcester’s Harlequin Stage School, will head to Switzerland on Sunday where he will take part in classes of both classical and contemporary dance and will receive coaching on the two solos he has chosen: a classical piece – James Variation from La Slyphide Act II; and a contemporary dance – the solo from ’Desde Otello by Goyo Montero.

Throughout this time he will be watched and assessed by a panel of judges who will decide at the end of the week who makes it through to the final, to perform in a televised broadcast.

The 18-year-old, of Aconbury Close, off Newtown Road, Worcester, said: “I’m really excited and really nervous as well.

“I feel like I’ve achieved a lot to be selected and be the only British person. I’m really looking forward to see how all the coaching and training I’ve had pays off. I’m raring to go.”

But Mr Edwards said even if he does not get through to the final he is still excited to see what will happen.

He said: “I’m in my third year and have to apply for jobs abroad and in the UK.

“There are 15 companies associated with the competition and they offer contracts and apprenticeships to people who participate.

“Even if I don’t reach the finals, hopefully I will get a contract that will launch my professional career.”