A TALENTED Largs singer will be following in the footsteps of the town’s very own Daniela Nardini after winning a prestigious place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Star Penders, who has been involved with the Largs Amateur Operatic Society for over five years, has been accepted on the BA Musical Theatre course in Glasgow.

The singer, who lists Stevie Nicks and Aretha Franklin as some of her inspirations, says it is a “dream come true” to gain a place.

She said: “When I first got the email through telling me that I had been accepted I went through so many different emotions.

“I had to read the email about three times to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. I then ran through to my parents to tell them, but I was crying so they didn’t know what was wrong.

“I managed to get the words out and they were just ecstatic. We celebrated by popping a bottle of champagne!

“For over a week now I've just been so excited and really can’t wait to start! It’s truly a dream come true."

The course is one of the most highly competitive in the UK and generally only accepts a maximum of two Scottish girls each year out of around 2,000 applicants.

Star has been signing from a young age and taking lessons over the last few years has helped her develop her voice into what it is today.

She said: “I was always a karaoke fanatic, singing everything from High School Musical to Dolly Parton.

“I then started taking singing lessons in second year at school and these helped me develop as a performer and entertainer."

Star first joined the Largs Operatic back in 2015 for a production of Evita and has since performed in Jesus Christ Superstar and Sister Act.

She said: “The Largs Operatic is such an amazing support network to have. Everyone is so kind and fun to work with.

“It is such a nice feeling to have people cheering me on and giving me confidence to go forward, I’m very grateful.”

Fiona Page, President of Largs Amateur Operatic Society, says she is delighted they could play a small part in Star’s successes.

She said: “Star has blossomed.

“We’re delighted, to encourage local talent is so important.

“It’s wonderful to see them go and fly."

Star has big plans for her future but knows that it will be a tough road ahead to achieve her dream of a role in London's famous West End.

She said: “After graduating, I would like to secure myself a job performing with a company.

“My ambition is to eventually work with the National Theatre of Scotland or perform on the West End.

“Getting a job is difficult, but I am determined to work hard so that I am ready to take on auditions when the time comes.”