A dance teacher whose mother grew up on Hitchin’s Westmill estate has returned to run ballet lessons for local youngsters.

Vickie Lesnick is the principal of the Lesnick School of Ballet which runs weekly classes at Westmill Community Centre.

She said: “I’m very passionate about ballet. It’s for everyone.

“My mum grew up on Westmill and I want to give something back. It’s great to bring the area something new.

“People say ballet is elitist but you can get a ballet ticket for as little as £2. How much do Premier League match tickets cost?”

The patron of Vickie’s school is Hitchin actor Adam Astill who has starred in the TV drama Holby City.

Father-of-two Adam, whose two daughters have been among the pupils at the John Barker Place classes, said: “It’s great Vickie is opening up ballet to the whole community in such a vibrant place as Westmill.

“Vickie’s classes are a valuable asset to the community. She’s an incredibly passionate advocate of ballet and has worked so hard. It’s a real boon to the area.”

Vickie said: “Adam has been a great patron. I always try and get him to do things for us!”

Ex-Holby City star Adam who is currently filming a new CBeebies show added: “I love helping out, but it’s a new departure for me as I’m normally operating on people or taking my clothes off.”

Vickie’s classes at Westmill are proving popular, with around 50 students already having attended the community centre.

Mum Claire Starkey of Lancaster Avenue said: “My two daughters have done ballet since they were two. They love it as it’s such fun. They have loved going to their ballet lessons at Westmill. There’s always been a nice atmosphere.”

Claire’s four-year-old daughter Izzy said: “I like ballet because I get to learn new things.”

Vickie said: “My classes are open to everyone. The feedback I’ve had from my Westmill classes has been fantastic. I love teaching ballet to everyone. I have a pupil with MS in a wheelchair who has to have an operation. Ballet has given her confidence. She texted me to say she’s missing my classes and can’t wait to come back.”

Find out more at lesnickschoolofballet.co.uk.