TOE-TAPPING youngsters could be about to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Middleton's very own Popstars have been offered a place at the prestigious Alvin Aily American Dance Theatre in New York - but only if enough cash can be raised to get them there.

The young dancers are now going all out to raise the estimated £10,000 needed to take up their place on the week long course at the school's summer camp.

Principal of the academy, Anne Marshall, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the young people of Middleton and a once in a lifetime experience. It's what I would have wanted when I was younger.

"This is something that would normally be completely out of reach for the kids who come to Popstars, but we are hoping to achieve it. It is the biggest thing we have ever done."

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which is hailed as the world's most successful modern dance company, visited Manchester last year.

But because of the cost of the tickets, the Popstar's had to give the show a miss. Now they are hoping they will get to experience the dancers and their phenomenal routines and rehearsals first hand instead.

The group is putting on a huge show at the Willows in Salford on 16 March to raise as much money as possible to send 12 young people and four teachers for the week-long trip.

"The children are working extremely hard in preparation for the show and I feel such a great opportunity like this for the children is long over due. I think visiting such an elitist performing arts school will be a great benefit to the kids. They will see what hard work it is and be inspired," Anne added.

BBC’s Children in Need, which has helped the Popstars over many years, has stepped in to lend a helping hand by providing the venue for the March show. GI Jive and martial arts expert, Andy Lister, will also be performing and and the youngsters have got new outfits for the event and will be putting on a number of performances on the night.

"The Willows have been superb and GI Jive are always brilliant to work with. We just want to raise as much money as possible and hopefully with the football tournament in the summer and other events we will manage it."

Tickets for the Willows show can be bought through Popstars on 0161 653 7747.