A BUDDING singer has taken her first steps to stardom after gaining a place at one of the country’s top youth choirs.

Natasha Hartshorne-Evans has accepted a place in the Halle Youth Training Choir after standing out during her audition.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The 13-year-old, who is a year nine student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn, now travels to Manchester for practices every Sunday afternoon and is putting in the final tuning for a performance at the Bridgewater Hall at the end of the year.

She will also get the chance to take part in a week-long residential course next summer.

Her mum Karen said: “We came back from holiday and found a letter from the Halle on the door mat.

“There were much excitement that night and I’m thrilled that she got a place.

“It’s a fantastic set up there and the choirmaster is great.

“She has been singing since she was very young and it’s something that she has always been really interested in.

“She has taken part on performances and shows at school since she joined and we are very lucky that QEGS has such an active music department.

“The school has really given her a lot of support.

“She was a member of the Blackburn Youth Choir but it was difficult because these choirs have such a high turnover rate.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for her now to be part of this choir.”

Mrs Hartshorne-Evans added that, while her daughter has not yet chosen what she wants to do as a career, she would love to pursue musical theatre in the future.

The youngster from Hapton is currently working towards her grade five in singing and is now one of around 30 members of the Halle Youth Training Choir.

Anna Berry, head of music at QEGS, said: “It’s excellent that she has been given a place.

“She has wanted to join since she joined the school and she has come on leaps and bounds since September.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for her and she is certainly one to watch for the future.

“I’m really delighted for her and the whole department is very pleased.”