A SCHOOLGIRL from Radcliffe is adding life on stage to her school lessons.

Lucy Doyle Ryder, aged 12, has been wowing audiences in Bolton as she takes on a starring role in the Octagon Theatre's latest show.

The Little Lever school pupil, from Launceston Road, won a lead role as 'Scout' Finch in a production of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird which is running until October 15.

She appears alongside fellow student Matthew Howells, aged 14, from Little Lever, who plays her brother Jem Finch.

For the duo this is the first time either of them have starred in a major production after auditioning for the parts along with around 50 other young hopefuls back in July.

Lucy plays one of the story's central characters and was put forward for the role by her drama teacher Brad Tuff.

Dad Andrew Ryder, aged 39, said: "They understood she had never done it before but she was confident in the audition and could manage it.

"When she found out she got the part she was a little subdued. In all honesty she was a bit in shock. I told her it would be hard work, a lot of shows, but she was ready to give it a go.

"She loves it. She is buzzing every time I pick her up after a show. She is bouncing all over the place and is happy and confident.

"It has been going really well and the other night the assistant director came out saying how well she is doing. I'm absolutely made up for her!

"The whole family is very proud. It's hard to put into words about how it feels knowing your little daughter is going up and doing all this in front of people. It's amazing!"

Lucy and Matthew take to the stage with co-star Joshua Nicholls, who plays their friend Dill, every other show, with another three-strong team of youngsters doing the other nights.

The school and Mr Tuff were also full of praise for the pupils, with a team of staff already booking tickets for the show to go along and show their support.

Mr Tuff added: "It is practically unheard of having two children from the same school in the same production. The whole school is proud of them. They are giving it everything they've got.

"Lucy is really enthusiastic about drama and is a fantastic performer, she has done really well."