WHEN Victoria Wray makes her debut on the professional stage, a Bury Times prophecy will come true.

Victoria (12) appeared in an All Saints Amateur Operatic Society production about 18 months ago. At the time our reviewer said it wouldn't be long before she appeared in a professional performance.

And now Victoria, of Harwood Drive, Bury, has won the part of Cosette in Les Miserables at the Opera House in Manchester.

The Tottington High School pupil was chosen from more than 200 children who auditioned after answering a newspaper advert.

Her father Jonathan said: "She was very surprised to learn she had won the part which is small but does involve singing a solo song. She has always wanted to be on the stage and we are all very proud of her."

ZLes Miserables is at the Opera House from October 8 until December 20.

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