A DOG with superior stage presence is on the lookout for a leading lady to join it in a musical adventure.

Portia, a three-year-old mongrel, has been chosen to play the character Sandy, who teams up with little orphan Annie, to help her escape her unhappy existence in the orphanage and find her parents.

Stockton Stage Society is staging the production of Annie at Billingham Forum Theatre, next March, and needs to find a youngster to tackle the title role.

Also needed is a host of other youngsters, aged between eight and 15, to populate the orphanage.

Portia, who has never been on the stage before, was chosen after she was spotted playing near her home in Eaglescliffe.

She is a rescue dog from the National Canine Defence League and is used to doing as she is told.

Ruth Walters, her owner said: "She loves all people and dogs. She is extremely friendly. She likes all the attention she is getting.

"I think she will just enjoy playing a new game."

An audition will be held for any prospective Annies at Our Lady and St Bede School, Bishopton Road West, Stockton, on Sunday, from 1pm to 6pm.

For the audition, children will be required to sing from their own sheet music to piano accompaniment. It can be any number they choose.

For further details contact Marian Chandler on (01642) 891081.