ASPIRING young actors and actresses are fulfilling their dreams of taking to the stage.

In addition to studying for her A-level exams, Emily Cavanah has been undertaking 20 hours of professional acting rehearsals each week.

The Holy Cross Sixth Form College pupil today received a glowing set of results, including an A* in English literature, A in English language and A in theatre studies.

The 17-year-old said: "I'm really happy with my results, which mean I will get my place at Cambridge.

"I have been working constantly for two years in addition to attending rehearsals so it means a great deal."

Emily, who lives in Rochdale, has been working for North West Theatre Arts Company (NWTAC), who cast her as Juliet in their production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet last February. Other roles have seen her play Lady Macbeth, as well as starring in American Idiot, In the Heights and Fame.

"It is so nice to be thrown into the deep end", Emily said. "It is a real privilege to get professional work at 17."

She added: "Cambridge is not the traditional route for actors but drama schools are incredibly difficult to get into.

"By the time I graduate, I will be aged 20, with a Cambridge degree in my pocket, so I can be a struggling actress for as long as it takes."

The former Oulder Hill Community School pupil will go on to study English literature at Cambridge in September.

Meanwhile Holy Cross pupil Nathan Lea, aged 18, is celebrating straight As in theatre studies, media and film.

"I have always liked performing and acting", he said. "I like the comedic roles.

"I called my mum to tell her my results and she asked me whether I had checked them properly — lovely motherly support.

"My family are thrilled and it's a big relief that the waiting is over."

Nathan has decided to take a gap year to gain further performing experience before applying to drama schools across the country.