An eight-year-old girl has amazed her teachers and parents after becoming the first person in the country with Down's Syndrome to pass a ballet exam.

Tamara Whiteside's teacher at her Daisy Hill-based dance school said she is also "exceptional" because she went for the exam after only four months - the fastest time ever in the British Ballet Organisation's history.

Tamara, who lives in Meagill Rise in Otley, joined the Bradford Theatre Arts School in November.

Principal Stephanie Clements said: "Tamara is really talented and has taken quite naturally to dancing.

"Her co-ordination and concentration is quite amazing for somebody with Down's Syndrome.

"Nobody treats her any different to the other pupils and they are all wonderful with her.

"She truly is exceptional. Now she's moving on to do grade one and is doing tap and disco as well as ballet," she added.

"The examiner was so pleased with Tamara and she thought she was incredible."

Mrs Clements checked with the British Ballet Organisation, a worldwide group, and their records showed that no other mainstream child had gone for the exam after such a short time.

She was also the first Down's child to take the pre-syllabus assessment.

Tamara's mother Diane Whiteside said: "We're all so proud of her and it's a real achievement.

"Tamara has poor concentration and has one-to-one help at school but she is very good at ballet.

"She enjoys dancing and she is also very musical.''

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