DUNBAR dancer Euan Garrett made his West End debut in the starring role of Billy Elliot this week.

The 12-year-old became the 42nd boy to take on the role in the hit musical when he took to the stage at London's Victoria Palace Theatre on Monday evening.

Euan, who trained at Dunbar School of Dance, is from North Berwick, where he grew up with mum Dawn, dad John and sister Erin. He attended the town's Law Primary School.

A former student of Morag Alexander School of Dance in Musselburgh, Euan is currently based in Manchester.

His previous appearances include Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Rapunzel in Edinburgh Festival Theatre and the Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker. He is currently a Scottish Ballet Junior Associate.

Euan took to the stage alongside West End veteran Ruthie Henshall, who plays the role of the ballet teacher who helps Billy achieve his dancing dreams.

The musical is in its 11th year and tells the tale of a young boy who lives in a mining town during the 1980s miners’ strikes and discovers a passion for ballet.

Euan joined three other talented young dancers who will take turns performing the role of Billy on a rota basis. The youngster was inundated with messages of support on social media sites following his debut.

Dunbar School of Dancing said: “We wish you all the best Euan and can’t wait to come down and see just how amazing you are.” Royal Academy of Dance Scotland and the Scottish Ballet Associate Programme also sent their congratulations.

A spokesperson for Billy Elliot said: “Euan would like to give a massive thank you to everyone who has helped him on his journey to become Billy, especially his family who have supported him in this process and in everything he does.”