Star struck Lauren's day with girl band

SCHOOLGIRL Lauren Carter could be forgiven for being a little star-struck this week.

The 12-year-old has not only spoken to Mis-Teeq's Alesha live on national radio but has also won the chance to spend a day with her favourite band, Girls Aloud.

Lauren, a pupil at St Louis Middle School in Bury St Edmunds, came up trumps when she entered a competition on the Hit 40 UK chart show.

The commercial radio show is normally presented by Neil "Doctor" Fox but on this occasion rapping sensation Alesha was making a guest appearance in the hot seat.

Lauren, from Appledown Drive, Bury, will this month become a runner on the set when Girls Aloud, created by the TV show Popstars: The Rivals, film their newest video.

She will also accompany the band at a special music event when Girls Aloud are due to make an appearance.

Lauren said she was thrilled at her brush with stardom and her success in the contest, which she won after listening to a clip of band member Nadine talking about her favourite pop video and correctly guessing it was Michael Jackson's Thriller.

The youngster said she screamed and jumped up and down when Alesha told her she had won.

"I feel absolutely really, really excited. I have followed Girls Aloud all the way through the Popstars show – there are not enough girl bands around at the moment," she added.

"I love the clothes they wear and their unique style and their songs as well – they are really catchy."

Lauren would love to follow in the footsteps of her pop idols and goes to a weekly singing and dancing group in Bury.

She added: "I would love to pursue that when I get older and will be looking to pick up some tips from Girls Aloud when I meet them."

The schoolgirl said she was also excited to speak to Alesha live on the radio as she has been to see Mis-Teeq in concert.

"I really like them too, but Girls Aloud are my absolute favourite," she added.