DEVIZES schoolgirl Maddie Chesterton is to appear alongside X Factory winner Joe McElderry in the musical Joseph.

Maddie, 12, who is a year seven pupil at Devizes School will appear at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton in July.

She attends the Stagecoach Theatre School in Marlborough and was chosen for a part in the chorus after attending auditions in Salisbury.

She has just started rehearsals and is hoping it will be the start of a career in musical theatre.

Devizes head Phil Bevan said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for Maddie. I would say 'a once in a lifetime opportunity' but I know how super talented and hardworking she is so we hope that she gets even more chances to perform at the highest level.

"Devizes School has a strong reputation for the performing arts and this yet another success. We are absolutely delighted for Maddie."