BARNSLEY ballerina Tala Lee-Turton has become only the third British woman to graduate from the elite Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia in its 243-year history.

Tala, 20, joined the Moscow-based school when she was 16 after her mum Sara raised £15,000 towards the £20,000 costs.

Sara, of Barnsley Road, Wombwell said: “I watched her get her graduation certificate in Moscow this week and I just felt so proud. The last four years have been an amazing experience for Tala, she’s learned so much but it’s been such hard work.

“She’s had to be so strong and determined to do what she’s needed to to and achieve what she’s achieved.

“She spends very little time here, but Tala still considers Barnsley to be her base.”

Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle