A RUBERY starlet treaded the boards for first time after answering an advertisement for a drama group published in the Advertiser/Messenger.

Victoria Ayres of Holywell Lane joined the Alvechurch Amateur Dramatics Society and starred in festive favourite A Christmas Carol after her hawk-eyed aunt, Denise Phelps, spotted the group's appeal for new members in the number one community newspaper.

The talented 12-year-old joined the group with Denise, and her 16-year- old daughter Kristina, a pupil at South Bromsgrove High School.

And after three months of rehearsals the group staged the Charles Dickens classic at the Alvechurch village hall, with Victoria taking the part as one of the Cratchitt children.

The Waseley Hills High School student said: "This is the first play I have taken part in and I really enjoyed it. I am now hoping to join the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre youth drama group."

Her mum Linda said: "It is thanks to the Advertiser/Messenger Victoria became involved in the drama group. She loved taking part in the Christmas show and hopes to participate in more dramatics in the future."