A stage star excited young wannabes as he led a masterclass at a theatre school.

Layton Williams - best known for playing the title role in West End musical Billy Elliot - put on a real show at Carlisle's Rocket Theatre Group.

The 23-year-old, also one of the cast of Hairspray at the city's Sands Centre last week and who starred in BBC Show Bad Education - too time out to give the next generation some dancing tips.

He gave two classes, one for younger dancers and one for adult and student dancers.

Rocket Theatre Group teacher Wendy Bootham said: "He gave them a lot of tips and told them the message of Hairspray, which is about racial improvement and body image.

"They found it very challenging. They do very similar things in their classes at Rocket, but it is great to work with a professional."

Although the classes were challenging, Mrs Bootham believes the Rocket dancers stepped up to the plate.

She said: "It is good to work at the speed of a professional, but Layton was impressed with both the Rocket groups."

After the classes, Williams took time to pose for photos with the dancers.

According to Mrs Bootham, the lessons aspiring dancers can learn from a professional are invaluable:

"It is really important to experience the speed of professionals, and to see how hard you have to work to develop into professional artists." she said.

For more information about Rocket Theatre Group, visit: https://www.rockettheatregroup.co.uk/