TALENTED teenager Ashley Miller will entertain theatregoers in the heart of London's West End, after being chosen from hundreds of hopefuls to appear in a prestigious dance production.

The 14-year-old, who attends Blackburn Dance and Performing Arts Centre at Eanam Wharf and is a pupils at St Bedes RC High School, Blackburn, took part in auditions in Essex for the show, which is called 'Born to Perform.'

It is directed and choreographed by professionals from the capital and will be performed on March 26, 2000, at The Shaftsbury Theatre. Patrons include Tracie Bennett, Hayley Mills and Bill Beaumont.

The main aim is to give talented young people a chance to work alongside top professionals and pursue their dreams of a career on the stage. It also raises money for charity. This year proceeds are going to Save The Children.

Ashley, of Kingsway, Lower Darwen, will perform ballet, jazz and Amercian swing dance lindy hop during the production, which includes extracts from hit musicals including Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Oklahoma and Copacabana.

Her proud parents, Tracey and Michael, will take Ashley to Essex for rehearsals every Sunday until March next year.

Mrs Miller said: "We are both very proud of her. It will be wonderful experience and she is really excited about it. All the travelling will be worth it in the end.

"She is grateful for the work and support from her dance teachers Jayne Eaton and Graham Vernon, which helped her win the place."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.