A PLUCKY young actor from Culcheth is treading the boards in a national production of the spectacular musical Beauty and the Beast.

Charles Butcher, aged eight, from Eden Avenue, won the role of Chip in the Disney classic, which is due to open at The Palace Theatre in Manchester next week.

The budding performer is no stranger to the stage, having made his debut performance aged just three when he played Simba in a production of The Lion King.

His proud mum, Stephanie Duerden, said: "His sister, Kym, aged 14, dances and sings, and Charles would always go along with her when he was little.

"Now he appears annually in Blackpool Winter Garden's Hits From Great Musicals show. We are all very proud of him."

Charles, who attends Miss

Dawn Dawson's Bolton Academy of Dance and Stage, wowed the panel at the auditions for Beauty and the Beast with his rendition of Consider Yourself ... from Oliver to win the role.

The young Manchester United fan says that his musical idols are Gareth Gates, Britney Spears and Darius, and he has a burning ambition to be a musical director or choreographer.

He said: "I would like to appear in lots of different productions and musicals, but if not, I would like to be a vet."

He added that he was 'very excited' to find out he had won the role of Chip.

"My family and friends are really pleased and proud. They are all going to come and watch the show in Manchester," he said.

To book ticket for the production, which opens at The Palace Theatre next Thursday, call 0870 4000 730.