THE Christmas wishes of two budding ballerinas will come true thanks to a generous Advertiser/Messenger "fairy godmother".

Marianne Johnson and Holly Ashworth will fulfil their dreams of dancing in a professional production of The Nutcracker after an anonymous Advertiser/Messenger reader offered to pay their fees.

The nine-year-old Bromsgrove girls auditioned for roles in the professional show at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury, to be staged in April.

They were the only dancers from the Stagedoor Dance Academy to put themselves forward for the auditions and came up against 70 other youngsters from across the country.

However, despite impressing judges enough to be offered parts, they still needed to find £200 each to participate in the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Academy principal Martina Ponsonby said: "This was a lot of money for the girls' parents to find around Christmas time"

The money was to pay for the training Marianne, from Stoke Prior, and Holly, from Barnt Green, would receive, as well as costumes.

And their dreams came true when a kind-hearted Worcestershire resident came forward and offered the full amount after reading their story in the Advertiser/Messenger leisure pages.

"The person who has offered the money does not wish to be named but they were so touched by the story they decided they wanted to help.

"There is so much suffering in the world today that little gestures like this instil my hope in goodness again.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the girls and they are delighted to be able to take part," she added.

Family and friends have also rallied round to donate cash, which will help cover travel costs and other expenses.

Rehearsals for the Ballet Creations production will start in February when the girls will have the opportunity to train alongside some of the best dancers in the business.