A group of children are taking Bradford's Capital of Culture bid all the way to the West End stage.

The youngsters, pictured, from JW School of Dance, were snapped up for a show at Her Majesty's Theatre in London - home of West End hits such as Phantom of the Opera - after talent-spotters saw a video of their recent show at the Priestley Centre.

Now the children, ranging from toddlers to teenagers, will be performing on one of Britain's most famous stages.

The variety show, which will feature children from across Britain, is being staged by an organisation called Young Performers. It invited the JW School to take part after director Josie Favius sent in a video of their Christmas show, Best of the Best.

Josie said the West End performance would put Bradford's culture bid on the map - but it can only go ahead if the dance school raises £1,400 for the trip.

"We are firmly behind Bradford's Capital of Culture bid," she said. "The chance to perform on a West End stage is a fantastic opportunity for these kids, some of whom have never been to London before.

"If Bradford becomes Capital of Culture, it will not only give it a more positive image - and let's face it, Bradford needs some good publicity - but will mean more opportunities for groups like us."

Based in Little Germany, the JW provides low cost dance training for children from mainly inner city areas. Josie set it up after her daughter was one of only three black children in a theatre production. Now she hopes Bradford's culture bid will attract investment for groups like the JW.

"We give kids a chance who wouldn't normally have access to performance arts," she said. "There are so many kids stuck at home who'd love to be on stage, but training schools are often expensive and inaccessible. My dream is for a purpose-built unit to accommodate us and other groups like us - somewhere with rehearsal rooms, office space and even homework areas so the kids can come after school."

Josie, who is taking a party of 31 youngsters to the show on March 2, has arranged discount rates for accommodation and is appealing for help to fund it.

"The parents are paying the train fares, and buying the kids special Young Performers T-shirts which they have to wear for the finale. But paying for the hotel, too, would be too expensive - some parents have more than one child going. We have to stay the night because we need to spend the whole day at the theatre.

"The children are so excited. To them, performing in the West End means they've made it - and it will be such a boost for Bradford."

To help with sponsorship, ring Josie on (01274) 700666 .