A WIDNES schoolgirl has landed a top role in Annie at the Liverpool Empire.

Ruby Grant, aged 10, beat thousands of hopefuls to star as the third lead orphan, July.

Her mum, Wendy, aged 47, of Cherry Sutton, said: “She is all excited. She gets to do a solo singing and speaking part.

“She loves music and has been singing and dancing since she was a baby.”

All Saints Primary School pupil, Ruby, has already started weekly rehearsals for the musical which opens in November.

Her dance tutor Karina Burns, who has been teaching her since she was three, said: “This is a dream come true for Ruby.

“She went through three intense auditions. The last one lasted five hours.

“Ruby has lots of energy and enthusiasm.”

Ruby has danced in countless festivals and competitions and performed alongside Coronation Street’s Les Battersby in Dick Whittington when she was six.