MOST kids find going to school once a day hard enough but Holly Mai sometimes finds herself going to school twice in one day, and on occasions even during weekends and holidays, but she doesn't mind because the school in question is Grange Hill.

Child star Holly, 13, from Little Chalfont, is currently starring as Sammy Lee in Grange Hill, one of the longest running children's dramas. She is now in the middle of filming for her second series as the quiet member of Chloe's gang.

She says: "My character is quite quiet. She hangs around with Chloe and is third in command. There are similarities between myself and Sammy but she is a year younger than me.

"My friends at school think it's really cool. My teachers seem to think it's okay, but they are worried about my school work even though we have a tutor on set."

Holly travels to Liverpool to film her scenes, as and when she is needed, but says it's not really hard work and really enjoys it.

The Dr Challoners High School pupil is also a member of The Carol Kristian Theatre School which is running week-long performance workshops called Summer Smash at the Memorial Hall, Chorleywood, from August 22 to 26.

Carol, who owns and runs the school, says: "We are running a very special week in August for which we are now taking registrations.

"We have visiting workshops from all sorts of people including the English National Ballet and Ballet Rambert, a West End musical director for singing, a TV actor for stage combat and mime and physical theatre, not to mention a very trendy Hip-Hop choreographer."

Holly is hoping to take part in Summer Smash this year but it all depends on whether she is needed to film more episodes of Grange Hill.

She says: "I've been coming to the CKTS since I was three or four. My parents enrolled me but I really liked it so I stayed on. My favourite performance so far is Peter Pan where I played one of the lost boys.

"I really do hope I can take part in Summer Smash as it looks really good."

The workshops are open to anyone aged between six and 18 interested in all performing workshops. The classes run from 10am to 4pm every day during the week.

You can still register your place on Summer Smash 2005 by logging on to www.cktheatreschool.co.uk for a registration form or call 01923 284599.