A TALENTED youngster is set to perform in front of thousands as part of a stars of the future showcase in London's Leicester Square.

Emma Lucy, 13, from Brooklyn Avenue, Loughton will be singing and dancing alongside the other performers from "West End Kids" in Leicester Square on Sunday June 21.

The Sylvia Young Acting School pupil has been performing since she was three.

The youngsters, all aged 10-18 will be performing a number of hits from West End and Broadway shows.

Emma said she was excited but a bit nervous too.

she said: "It is quite nerve wracking before you get on stage, but I really love doing it, so it becomes fun."

Her mother Jan Lucy, said: "She's rehearsing up to eight hours a day, she has to be really professional and dedicated but she absolutely loves it."

"She's never wanted to do anything else. I am very proud of her."

This is the first in a long line of summer performances for Emma, who will also headline the M.A.D (Music, Art & Dance) Festival in Buckinghamshire.

She been rehearsing for the events, which include 28 musical numbers, for just six weeks, requiring gruelling eight hour rehearsal sessions on Sundays.

Founder & Artistic Director of West End Kids, Martin-Gwyn Williams says: “This has been an incredible challenge for everyone at WEK. We have been working particularly hard in preparation for West End Live, as we know that hundreds of children from all over the UK come to see us perform there.

"Other young performers look up to us and it’s important for us to continue to set new standards for young aspiring performers”.

For more information on West End Kids visit www.westendkids.co.uk