MANY aspiring performers can only dream about singing and dancing on stage in London's world-famous West End.

But a group of talented young people from Bolton and neighbouring Bury had stars in their eyes when they took to the stage at the prestigious Sadlers Wells Theatre in London to perform a tribute to Davie Bowie and the Our House The Madness musical.

The members of Theatre Works, a youth theatre company, also performed at the historic Blackpool Opera House.

The trip to the West End was organised by Emma Matthews from Little Lever, who jointly runs the group with Lauren Bateman.

Such was the success of the visit, the company has been invited to go back to London and perform at Her Majesties Theatre in London in 2018 and fundraising to take the group there has already begun.

Lauren said: "We fundraised all year to be able to take the children to London and it was an amazing experience for them.

"Theatre Works isn't a franchise, it is run by two professional actors and we believe all children should be able to participate in the arts regardless of funds or any disabilities they may have, so we raise funds over the year to ensure every child gets that same opportunity.

"We have also done two of our own school shows at Burnley Mechanics with over 100 children.

"We have joined forces with an actors agency and our children are regularly working professionally.

"Our principal Emma Matthews is a professional actress who has been seen on many programmes including Prisoners Wives, No Offence and Emmerdale, and will also soon be seen on Coronation Street in October in a very exciting storyline."

There are plans to start dance classes in ballet, tap and modern as well as acting for television classes and adults classes.

The main school is based in Bury town centre and the company runs classes across Bolton in Heaton, Little Lever, Sharples and Harwood for ages three-to-18.