LAUREN Waterworth is being hailed as the next Celine Dion - and she's just 10 years old.

The little lass from Hindley is causing a stir in the pop world with her powerful voice.

And now she's released her debut CD, a cover of the Carpenters' classic, Yesterday Once More.

Destiny

Those in the know are convinced the schoolgirl is destined to become a major star.

But, away from the hype, Lauren is like any other 10-year-old girl.

She lives with mum and dad, and her two younger brothers, Liam eight, and two-year-old Luke at the family home in Sandy Lane.

And she goes to the nearby primary school, St Phillips.

But it's her mature singing voice that singles her out from the crowd.

And in the past couple of whirlwind months, she's appeared on television and radio.

Last summer, she did a season in Blackpool.

Proud dad Ian said: "There are a lot of things happening to Lauren at the moment but her feet are firmly on the ground."

She first came to public attention when she appeared in a Granada sound-alike programme playing Olivia Newton John and sang the hit song from the musical Grease, Hopelessly Devoted to You.

Ian said: "They were so impressed they invited her back to do an interview."

After that, the phone never stopped ringing as interest in the child star grew.

And her dream? To be the next Celine Dion, says her dad firmly. Apparently, one of her party pieces is to sing the Barbara Streisand and Celine Dion duet, Tell Him.

"And she does both voices," said Ian.

He went on: "To be honest, people are always referring to Lauren as that little girl with the exceptional voice.

Hits

"But to me she's my little girl. When I put her to bed at night, it hits me that she's only 10.

"However, she's thoroughly enjoying all the interest.

"If it was left up to her, she'd sing from morning until night.

"The way I look at it is that she's been given a gift."

Lauren's CD, which also features the poignant, Tell Me Why, which was specially written for Lauren, is available in Bolton from Our Price, HMV and Virgin stores.

In Wigan it's available from Smiths and Our Price.

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