The sounds of the Lion King blended with elegant ballerinas as young dancers showcased their talents at the weekend.

More than 220 students from the Central School of Dancing and Performing Arts in Norwich took part in their annual show at the Theatre Royal on Sunday.

The performance, called Drum, opened with young three-year-olds playing toy drums before the first act, a children's interpretation of the ballet The Nutcracker, unfolded on stage.

During the second act, the journey of the African drum was performed, with music and dance inspired by the African savannah moving onto the hip hop, jazz and rhythm and blues of New York.

Charlotte Corbett, principal of the school which has been providing tuition in dance, drama and singing for more than 20 years, said: 'It was absolutely fantastic. We had a brilliant show. It was beautiful.

'The students really excelled themselves and I've had nothing but praise from parents.'

The students, whose ages range from three to 31, had been working on the performance for five to six weeks.

Parents helped to make the costumes and Ms Corbett's team of technicians and teachers worked with the children to develop the show.

'We managed to bring the whole school together for the first act, a devised children's version of the Nutcracker, and we had some amazing costumes made by the parents which were beautiful,' said Ms Corbett.

'It was fantastic for the children learning how to create a ballet in five weeks and also to learn about different musical influences, which is really important when you are a dancer. They were absolutely fantastic and I am so lucky to have a fantastic team around me.'

Go to www.eveningnews24.co.uk to see a picture gallery of the dancers.

Do you know a group of talented youngsters who are about to showcase their skills? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk