A PRESTON College student is set for the big time after scooping a top role in one of the country's best loved TV dramas!

Drama student Becci Atkinson, 18, can't wait to tune into Heartbeat next month after winning a part in the hit show.

Talented Becci, who is studying drama and dance at the St Vincent's Road college, plays the part of Linda and can be seen in the show on April 7 as a backing singer in Zac and Zero's band with her on-screen sister Sylvia.

Now the 18-year-old, who already has an Equity Card, is looking forward to a career in acting and hopes to perform in top West End shows like Cats and Chicago.

"My dream is to perform on the West End in musical productions," said Julia Roberts fan Becci.

"But I'm really excited about appearing in Heartbeat. The cast have all been very nice, they are so down to earth and the location where we have been filming was gorgeous.

"It has been so enjoyable getting dressed up in 1960's fashions and having different hairstyles."

While filming Heartbeat on location in Goathland, near Whitby, Yorkshire, Becci says she received a lot of advice from co-star Geoffrey Hughes, who plays Vernon Scripps, and is well-known for his role as Eddie Yates in Coronation Street.

Becci said: "He was full of useful tips on how to manage in this industry as it is very competitive."

But this part is not Becci's first big break on the small screen. Television viewers may remember her in series such as Children's Ward, City Central and Cops.

"I love acting and watching yourself on television is really strange, it's the best feeling in the world -- it's what I love to do, but I still get star struck," said Becci.

Despite her burning ambition to tread the boards Becci says she is determined to keep her feet firmly on the ground.

As well as studying A-levels in drama and dance, Becci is also learning to teach dance as part of her course, and has a passion for figure skating.

Becci said: "University is not a priority for me. I really want to get into this business, I can always revert to teaching dance if something goes wrong."