LITTLE Cinderella star Rebecca King thought she had been granted a wish by her own fairy godmother when she won a place in a professional pantomime.

The stage-struck Rebecca and Natalie Richards, both from Blackburn dance schools were two of more than 100 hopefuls who auditioned for a prestigious place in the forthcoming panto which will be staged this Christmas in Bolton.

Ten-year-old Natalie, a pupil at Zoe and Kirk Taylor's dance school at Brownhill, and Rebecca, who attends Pat Eaket's School of Dancing, will be on stage for 16 shows at the end of a gruelling round of rehearsals.

For Natalie, who lives in Park Farm Road, Feniscowles, and attends Feniscowles Primary School it is a dream come true to be in a professional show.

Mum Carron said: "Natalie was thrilled when she was chosen as one of just 18 to be in the chorus line for the panto.

"It is her first professional show and she can't wait to start work on it."

Natalie has been dancing since she was four and has her sights set on a professional dancing career when she gets older.

Rebecca, at the grand old age of nine, has already been in a professional panto in Halifax two years ago and is a regular competitor at dance festivals all over the North West.

She lives in Turton and attends Egerton Primary School.

Mum Hilary said: "Rebecca is so happy with her place in the Bolton panto and I am very pleased because it was what she wanted.

"She has been dancing since she was two and loves it!"

Natalie and Rebecca will be on stage with stars such as Joanne McIntosh from Byker Grover, who will play Cinderella, and Kelly George from Grange Hill who will star as Buttons.