A YOUNG girl who yearns to be an opera singer is a step nearer realising her ambition - thanks to the BEN. In December we made an appeal for sponsorship on behalf of 13-year-old Amy Nuttall after she landed the leading role in the National Youth music Theatre's musical production Whistle Down the Wind.

The show is being staged in February in Edinburgh but Amy, of Ox Hey Lane, Lostock, had to get down to London for rehearsals.

Her parents are paying for travel costs but were keen to hear from anyone willing to sponsor Amy to cover the cost of her food and accommodation - estimated at £420.

Kind-hearted members of Rosemere Operatic Society read the article and decided they would like to help.

They have generously donated £200 - nearly half of Amy's target.

Geoff Tomkin, chairman of Rosemere Society, said: "When we saw the story in the paper we realised that this was just the sort of young talent we wanted to encourage.

"Since we gave her the money she has kept us fully informed of what she is up to and how the rehearsals are going.

"We've been delighted to help and hopefully she will join us in the future."

Amy's mum Elaine said: "We are very grateful for the assistance given to Amy by Rosemere - they have been very generous.

"Amy is really enjoying the rehearsals. In fact she's said that if nothing ever happens to her again she has had the most wonderful time in her life. I think that says it all."

In the musical Amy, a pupil at Bury Grammar, plays Kathy, the part made famous in the 1960s film version by a young Hayley Mills.

The show, which like Les Miserables is semi-operatic, is being staged in Edinburgh from February 20 to 24. And there is talk of transferring the show to Manchester if corporate sponsorship can be found.

Elaine said: "There will be quite a lot of us travelling to Edinburgh but obviously there are many of her friends and family who won't be able to make it.

"If it came to Manchester that would be absolutely brilliant."

Rosemere AOS are staging their annual production for 1996, The Mikado, at the Albert Halls for a week commencing March 12. Tickets available from Bolton 522048.

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