AN aspiring young Lancaster actress has won a place at a prestigious summer youth theatre production in Manchester.

Rachael Xerri, 16, beat off competition from 600 hopefuls for a place in a Manchester Youth Theatre production at the Royal Exchange Theatre.

A keen singer, she recently starred as Juliet in the school play, and has also won a £250 grant from the Nat Merriman Trust to cover her costs.

Rachael's wants to be a theatre studies teacher but dreams of a part in a West End musical.

"The audition was very nerve-wracking but I enjoyed it.," she said. "My teacher Christine Burns has been brilliant and I'd like to say a big thank you."