AN Eastburn dancer has proved herself a real star sharing the stage with Liberty X, Abs, Busted and Omero.

Emma Waters, 11, took part in a dance contest organised by Blue Peter and performed live during its roadshow in Blackpool on Monday.

The competition was organised along the lines of Pop Idol, with young dancers being given the opportunity to dance before talent spotter Nicki Chapman, one of the judges who picked Gareth Gates and Will Young for stardom.

The youngsters were watched by about 2,000 people, and it could have been a daunting experience but Emma took it in her stride. She said after two rehearsals she had stopped being nervous and everyone was really nice.

She got to talk to Abs and some of the other stars and presenters, and said Nicki had been really encouraging. And, of course, she earned her Blue Peter badge!

She was also interviewed on stage by presenter Matt Baker who made the crowds wave to her watching family.

Unfortunately Emma was not picked as a North West finalist but it was still a real boost for her to perform live in front of such a large audience.

For the competition Emma had to submit a video which showed her dancing to a modern version of Tina Turner's "Simply the Best". She was among 20 to be picked for the North West heats.

Winning the competition would have been a dream for Emma as the prize is coaching from a team of choreographers and the chance to perform with her favourite pop star, Gareth Gates, on Blue Peter.

Emma is a pupil at LG's dance school in Shipley and also performs with Sutton Amateurs.