Eleven-year-old Charley Lewis had her dreams come true when she met chart-topping group S Club 7 for a TV show.

Eye eye - Charley meets her heroes on the London Eye

The bubbly youngster so impressed TV bosses she has now been asked to try her hand at presenting.

Charley, who attends the Cecil Jones Lower School, in Wentworth Road, Southend, won her lucky day out courtesy of Disney Channel show Wish Upon A Star, beating 16,000 other hopefuls in the process.

Disney researcher Mark Cornell said: "Charley was perfect for Wish Upon A Star. Her bubbly personality really impressed the producers.

"We set up a plot whereby Charley had to help the band regain their awards using special pop-star powers after they were stolen by an evil character. She had a great time."

As part of the adventure, Charley and the band visited the London Eye and the Cutty Sark. They also took part in a thrilling speedboat chase on the River Thames.

Proud mum Debby said: "Charley wrote to Disney and told them why she wanted to meet S Club and the Disney presenters.

"She knew nothing about her win until we got up to the hotel in London. It was quite nerve-wracking for Charley at first, but then she realised they were just normal teenagers."

The Disney Channel was impressed with Charley's performance and she has been invited back in February.

Charley now plans to attend stage school. The show is due to be aired in February. Until then Charley will feature in promotional trailers.

Published Thursday November 29, 2001