A 18-YEARS-OLD star has beaten off opposition from 2000 applicants from all over the world for a coveted place at Sir Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

Tyldesley's Leah Hackett is one of just 30 students who has been selected this year to study on a Performing Arts (Acting) degree course.

The former Tyldesley County Primary and Freddies' schoolgirl, who went on to study at Winstanley College, has three A levels in performance studies, drama and theatre studies and dance will be starting her three year course next month.

LIPA was launched in 1995 by the ex-Beatle to provide a different type of training for performers.

Leah, of Birch Street, said: "I applied to the institute because of its reputation. I know people there now and they are always telling me how good it is. I like the fact that it is broader than a traditional drama school having more of a university feel.

"It is also very focused on helping people to carve out a long term career in the industry. I also think Liverpool will be a particularly good place to study since it gained the Capital of Culture crown."

Performing has always been an important part of Leah's life.

In the last couple of years she has played the mistress in Evita and had parts in Les Miserables and Godspell. She also performed as a principal singer in Barcelona with the college choir.

Leah, whose mum Rita works is a children's librarian at Leigh, said: "I've had excellent teachers who have been like friends and role models to me."