A book of congratulatory letters from children at Hayscastle CP School will soon be on its way to their star pupil.

Connie Fisher, who beat thousands of hopefuls for the role of Maria in Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Sound of Music, went to Hayscastle School.

There was huge support for her there during the BBC's reality theatre programme How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria.

The children wrote a good luck letter which Connie's mum, Jan, took to give to Connie, they made banners, and a flag urging people to Vote for Connie was flown on the flagpole outside the school.

The excitement when she won was terrific and the school now has another flag declaring Connie is Maria.

The pupils have also set up a display of photos and cuttings following Connie's path to the West End stage.

"Connie was a lovely pupil," recalled headteacher Rhian Taylor. "She was very able, it didn't matter what she turned her hand to, whether singing or academic."

Even at primary school age Connie had a very good singing voice, said Mrs Taylor.

"I can remember her taking part in a variety concert here. She sang a solo, with other children joining in, and she was quite confident." She was also a member of a school group which sang at the Urdd National Eisteddfod at Dolgellau.

Mrs Taylor added: "Connie deserves her success. She has worked very hard. She is very professional and her personality is always the same. She is a very genuine person and we are very proud of her.

"The children have each written a letter of congratulations to Connie. We have made it into a book and Connie's mum will give it to her when she next sees her."

In the meantime, Hayscastle residents have already booked a coach to take them to London in February to see their favourite star in The Sound of Music.