TEN-year-old Liberty Cheesman is taking to the boards of London's West End Prince Edward Theatre to take part in Cameron Mackintosh's musical hit Mary Poppins.

It's a big step for Liberty, who was taught singing, dancing and acting by her drama teacher mother, Alexis, who herself landed a child role in the musical Annie at a similar age.

It was the second time Liberty had auditioned for a West End show but playing the part of Mary Poppins' ward, Jane Banks, must be the choice part for a little girl.

"It was a really big shock and I was just over the moon," Liberty said.

Knowing most of the songs from the Disney film, Jolly Holiday and A Spoonful of Sugar are her favourites.

Moving to London temporarily will be more than a "jolly holiday" for Liberty, who will stay in the production company's central flat while she is on stage and will be taught by a tutor.

"I'll obviously miss everyone but it'll be good and bad," she added.

Liberty's mother, Alexis, said she was "thrilled" at her daughter's success.

"There will be a fair amount of driving up and down to London but it's a great opportunity and I'm sure she'll be able to cope."

Mother of four children, who all act and sing, Alexis said that any one would be able to do the part. "But it's not just the talent, it's also the character of the child. I don't think being up in town will phase Liberty at all."

The family only recently moved to Herefordshire from Suffolk, where Alexis ran a children's theatre group.

Mr Cheesman is headmaster of St Richard's Preparatory School in Bredenbury, where Liberty is a pupil.

Rehearsals for Liberty begin in three weeks and she will appear in the show for six months from Christmas.