Gail Burgess Ballet School donation from Persimmon Homes

Persimmon Homes East Midlands, under their 'community champions scheme', have extended a hand to the Gail Burgess Ballet School.

The scheme's funding enabled the ballet school students to stage an annual event, providing them with a platform to demonstrate their refined skills.

Gail Burgess, who offers ballet lessons to children from three-years-old in Somersham and March, expressed gratitude towards the housebuilder's generosity.

READ MORE: Grafham and Hunts Sailing Club success at Cambridgeshire Youth Sailing League

She said: “The summer show gives the dancers something to work towards and is a highlight of the year for us all, but without support like this very generous donation from Persimmon Homes we would not be able to stage this showcase.

“We are incredibly grateful for the funding and will use it to buy new costumes that will be used this year and in years to come, to ensure everyone has access to dancing without financial barriers.”

Supporting youth and encouraging their continued interest in dancing was also applauded by Amy Rowlands, sales director of Persimmon Homes East Midlands.

She said: “Girls so often drop out of sport at a certain age but Gail works with them to encourage them to continue dancing, and that has such a positive impact on their lives.

"It teaches them discipline and shows children that if you work hard you will see the rewards."

READ MORE: Bury housing development for fields by Tunkers Lane approved

The representative from Persimmon Homes handed over the cheque during her visit to the Abbot Walk development in Chatteris.

The ballet school's needs were brought to light by Steve Barclay, a parliamentary candidate for Cambridge North East, who introduced the school to the housebuilder's scheme.

Mr Barclay said: “The Gail Burgess School of Ballet is a fantastic local dance group so I was delighted to recommend them to the Persimmon Community Champion’s fund which provides community grants."