Student hannah Robson had a double cause for celebrate yesterday.

In addition to her celebrating her 18th birthday, Ms Robson, from Trimdon Village, discovered that she had gained a place at stage school.

She has dreamed of a career in the theatre since the age of seven and has pursed her ambition ever since.

The former Sedgefield Community College pupil had hoped to attend a drama college in London when she turned 16, but she was unable to obtain a scholarship.

Now, after two years at Newcastle College of Performing Arts, Ms Robson has gained a place at the Phil Winston Theatre Works school, in Blackpool, where she will spent the next three years .

The school is privately run, but the fees are within the family budget, which is allowing Ms Robson to pursue her studies.

Her mother, Angela Charlton, said: "We are over the moon. She was disappointed at 16, but we are delighted that she has finally got what she wants."

Hannah, who has appeared in pantomimes in Newcastle and Sunderland, has set her sights on performing in a West End musical in London.