ONE of the borough's most popular and endearing groups, TipToe Stage School, are about to take to the stage in their show, "Feel The Beat".

It takes place on Saturday, 27 and Sunday, 28 April at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon. And it continues the school's reputation of putting on high quality, innovative and entertaining shows that has resulted in TipToe receiving performance requests from across the globe.

And this week, Anne Hegarty – The Governess – from ITV's The Chase, sent the school her best wishes and good luck for the performances.

Speaking about the event, the school's Principal, Julie Barker, said: "It was such a nice thing for Anne to do and we're really grateful that she took the time to send us such a lovely message.

"All our performers have worked unbelievably hard, so I promise you won't be disappointed if you come along.

"TipToe are heading towards their 40th anniversary and one of our key strengths is the enduring relationships we have in the school. My, leadership team, Els, Sam, Quin, Lauren, Kaz and all my teachers juggle their own challenges and busy lives, all while continuing to provide the very best lessons for our pupils. They, combined with our pupils, parents and carers are second to none."

From opening in early 1986 with just six pupils, the school now has in excess of 100 pupils through their branches in South Ockendon and Romford.

But there is no let up for the school once the curtain comes down. They head straight into rehearsals for their third performance in Disneyland Paris once again along with finalising plans for their next West End show and a possible return to New York to perform on Broadway.

Tickets for the show can be bought by visiting the Towngate Theatre's website http://www.towngatetheatre.co.uk and clicking what's on.

If you are interested in finding out more about classes, visit www.tiptoestageschool.com.