Dance student Vicky Sibson, pictured, has landed her first lucky break in showbusiness - thanks to a broken wrist.

Eighteen-year-old Vicky has been plucked from her studies to take on one of the leading roles in the North-ern Ballet Theatre's production of Wuthering Heights in Bradford.

When the dancer playing the show's young heroine Cathy broke her wrist just a week into rehearsals, the company faced a race against time to find a replacement to fill the pivotal role.

Vicky, whose family is from Bingley, had already taken part in some of the NBT's summer schools but couldn't believe it when she received a phone call from the director asking if she was available.

"I was totally aghast," she said. "They rang me on Monday morning to ask if I wanted to fill in for the part. By that afternoon I was in rehearsals.

"It's just so exciting. I was going to get a little summer job before going back to college but now I've got a part in a massive production like this.

"It's unbelievable. I feel sorry for the girl who's broken her wrist but it's definitely a lucky break for me!

"This is without doubt the best and biggest thing I've ever appeared in. To have a part in a world premiere is just mind-blowing!"

The show, based on Emily Bronte's haunting love story set on Haworth Moor, will have its world premiere at the Alhambra next month.

Vicky, who studies at the Central School of Ballet in London, will now fill in until injured dancer Pippa Moore is able to resume the role in October. It is Vicky's first major role, having only previously starred in amateur productions.

During its week-long Bradford run Vicky will be staying in Bingley with her grandparents Ron and Dorreen Patchett. Former Telegraph & Argus photographer Ron is delighted to have his granddaughter staying for the summer.

"We're incredibly proud of her," he said. "Vicky will be staying with us in Bingley while she's at the Alhambra and she's a very welcome house guest.

"From a very young age we could always see there was a great deal of potential there. She always wanted to be a dancer and now she's really starting to make her mark."

l Wuthering Heights runs at the Alhambra from Saturday, September 21, to September 28. Call (01274) 752000 for details.