Despite having never had a singing lesson in her life, Accrington-born Jayne Curry has performed non-stop as an international solo act ever since the day she left university seven years ago.

We caught up with her as she prepared for her 'home' appearance in Oswaldtwistle on September 7 as part of her national tour accompanying Viscount Oliver's Four Tops.

HAVING just stepped off a cruise ship where she had spent the last week performing as a solo singer, Jayne Curry told me she loved her job - and who could blame her?

Since gaining an honours degree in performing arts, like many aspiring actors and singers, Jayne began following the showbiz dream.

But unlike the rest who try but don't succeed, Jayne has made a career as a light entertainer in several disciplines with her main calendar filled with gigs singing on board cruise ships in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Living out of a suitcase for most of her career so far, 29-year-old Jayne says she owes her success to her music teacher at Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwistle, who helped her find her voice, convincing her to ditch the drums for a microphone.

But how many people who are told that they can sing while at school actually go on to make a career out of their talents? Not many. Which is why Jayne says she is so lucky living the dream as a next generation Jayne McDonald, performing all over the world on board cruise ships and in theatres to audiences of thousands.

For the last seven years since finishing university Jayne has never been out of work as a solo artist, despite never having had a single singing lesson.

Now her repertoire of songs ranges from hits by Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and LeAnn Rimes to classics by Diana Ross, Patsy Cline, Tina Turner and The Beatles.

Jayne said: "I have never had a proper singing lesson. I was taught how to use a microphone correctly and how to handle a crowd while a Redcoat but, apart from that, I have had no formal training."

During her career Jayne has supported performers such as Mick Miller, Bobby Davro, Ray Lewis of the Drifters, The Ivy League and Berni Flint. Her highlights include her performance at the Royal Concert Hall for Celtic Football Club's Player of the Year Presentation in Glasgow and, most notably, her work as a guest entertainer aboard several cruises, in glamorous locations accompanied by her very own eight-piece orchestra.

She has also written tracks for well-known performers such as Keith Harris, Billy Pearce, The Krankies, The Chuckle Brothers and Sam Kane.

Jayne is equally confident with cruise ships and corporate events as she is in professional panto and productions. Her theatre credits include Lorraine in the '70s musical Boogie Nights and the Princess and the title role in Aladdin.

Jayne still says she still has to pinch herself to remember that she is living this life and it isn't all a dream.

"I still can't believe it some days. I never thought you could make a career as a light entertainer. I thought you had to be famous to make any money. If I never achieve any more than I have then I'll be happy because I never thought I would come this far. I would like to continue what I am doing for as long as I can. I love my job and I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have had to perform in amazing venues with amazing people. I often get starstruck," she added.

Jayne, who now lives in Atherton with her partner, professional golfer Steve Parry, says it is him and her family, who still live in Accrington, who have been fundamental to her success.

"They have supported me every step of the way," she said. "My mum and dad came on a cruise for a holiday - the very first one I ever did - and they bought me all my own equipment to set me off when I first became a solo performer, including my PA system. My partner and I do not get to see that much of each other with our independent travels so we have lots to tell each other when we can spend time together. He is very supportive of my work."

Jayne will be appearing alongside Viscount Oliver's Legendary Four Tops on their enormously successful national theatre tour when it calls at Oswaldtwistle next month. And although she has spent seven years doing what she does best in front of varying sizes of large audiences, she still gets nervous every time she goes on stage.

She said: "I think if you don't get nervous about what you are doing, you have stopped caring. I think nerves are an indicator of passion.

"They should always be there if you are to succeed. I am my own worst critic, though, I must admit. I can get very worked up about a performance beforehand. And equally I can be very disappointed if I have not given my best performance."

Even now Jayne sees a performance psychologist to help her with her nerves.

He has taught her how to channel her nerves into energy.

"My success is based on other people's opinions, which is hard. So it helps to have some expert help. I would advise anyone starting out to do the same. That and - seing as I have been brought up a Christian - a little prayer of courage before I go on stage seems to do the trick."

But even though her nerves are in control, Jayne says she expects to be extra nervous when she performs in Oswaldtwistle because she will have dozens of friends and family in the audience, who she says are the toughest people to perform to.

After Oswaldtwistle the tour will continue around the UK and then Jayne and the Four Tops will jet off to Dubai for winter.

From what she has achieved so far she has nothing to worry. Her reviews include one from The Stage, which said: "Jayne Curry has a belter of a voice and would not be out of place in the West End."

Jayne Curry is performing as the support act for the Viscount Oliver's Four Tops at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre on September 7 at 8pm. Call the box office on 01254 380297.