TWO budding actresses will be treading the boards after successfully auditioning for Youth Music Theatre courses.

Emily Welch, aged 15 and her sister, Jodie aged 12 from Kinver took part in auditions held in January for the Youth Music Theatre summer productions.

The two aspiring stars took part in a two-hour workshop as part of their audition before being offered a place on the course.

Emily and Jodie wanted to audition for the theatre group to give them the chance to gain more skills and experience in order for them to be even more successful.

The two students from Redhill School have been involved in singing and acting since the age of five and have performed in numerous school productions, been involved in Dudley Little Theatre and performed on Birmingham's Hippodrome.

Emily has been offered a place on the Plymouth course and Jodie a place in Manchester.

Both courses will run for two weeks in August and at the end of the course the youngsters involved will perform in productions.

The course involves rehearsing for 12 hours a day and the youngsters will work with top professionals such as directors from the National Theatre and international choreographers.

Mother Rosemary Welch said: "I think they are really talented but I'm going to say that as I'm their mum.

"They have done really well and I am proud of them."

The girls have to fund the cost of the courses themselves and Emily and Jodie both have to find £775.

Anyone wishing to sponsor them can by emailing gregwelch@btopenworld.com.