A college student will perform in front of thousands of people this winter after winning a place at one of the UK's best song and dance troupes.

Amelie Royle, 17, from Chorleywood, impressed at her auditions and will now star with West End Kids.

Amelie, a year 13 student at Buckinghamshire College Group in Amersham, said: "My audition for the troupe was really challenging, but I was so determined to do my best that I gave it everything I had until my legs felt like jelly. I was in shock when I found out I’d been offered a place.

"I’m most excited to perform at the Great Ormond Street Christmas Parties. West End Kids have been performing at this event for years so I’m really excited to see it first-hand. I know it’s going to be a very special few days."

Martin Williams, founder and artistic director of West End Kids, added: "We are delighted to welcome Amelie. She is a talented young performer and we are confident she will be an asset to our troupe. Our audition process is thorough.

"To be part of our troupe, you not only have to be a strong singer and dancer, but you have to be prepared to work hard. We are very demanding, but we know that talented kids love to be pushed hard and so that is what we do."

Amelie will join her fellow cast at theatres and events across the country over the coming months.