A young Millport performer appeared at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Ceara Holden, 20, spent many hours rehearsing for the show which was televised around the world on Wednesday.

And the good news is . . . she also has a part in the closing ceremony.

She told the “News”: “The whole experience has been really technical and precise. It’s unlike anything I have ever been involved in before.

“I am delighted to represent the island on the big screen.” Ceara previously studied music at James Watt College and musical theatre at the Fame Academy in Bellshill.

She has just finished an HNC in travel and tourism with top marks and is going to the University of the West of Scotland at Paisley to do a degree in events management.

Ceara said: “I am really excited about this opportunity because I was chosen to be a performer in the Olympics opening ceremony for London 2012 but was unable to participate further because of travel and accommodation issues.

“Having this opportunity at home has been a great experience. I’ve met loads of new people and made a few really good friends.” She said the support had been amazing. Many volunteers and cast performers have been opening up their homes to others who have to travel long distances to be part of the ceremonies.

“I have been staying with a friend up until now and then I’ll be staying with a fellow performer for the next two weeks and then for another eight days for the closing rehearsals.

“I wouldn’t have been able to participate without the help of the volunteer support which has been allocating funds to volunteers and cast performers to help towards travel and accommodation expenses.” Ceara, a former pupil of Cumbrae Primary and Largs Academy, is the daughter of Claire and Sean Holden.

The Games run until 3 August.