It's a hard-knock life for a little orphan these days - especially when their furry best friend fills them with fear.

That's what 11-year-old Sinead Burniston discovered after winning the lead as the carrot-topped orphan Annie in a production due to open in Shipley next month.

Because, although Sinead will be starring alongside Annie's famous pooch companion Sandy, she will have to overcome her phobia of dogs first.

Sinead's dad, Reverend John Burniston, who is vicar of St Martin's Church, Heaton, says his daughter's canine aversion runs in the family.

"She had a bad experience with a yappy little dog when she was very young and has had the family phobia about dogs ever since. But she's got a lot of stage presence and makes her characters come alive so I'm sure she'll manage."

Sinead, a pupil at St Cuthbert's School in Scotchman Road, Bradford, said: "I don't like them barking or jumping up at me but I'm hoping that it's going to help me cope with dogs in the future.

"This dog's very small and I've fed him some chocolate so I think he's quite nice."

Starring as Sandy will be Jack Russell/Lakeland terrier cross Herbie. Three-year-old theatrical newcomer Herbie belongs to ten-year-old Jadine Smith who will be performing in the chorus.

Jadine's mum Carol, said: "When they first met Herbie sneezed and Sinead jumped up a bit but she'll be fine when she gets used to him. If she puts a dog biscuit up her sleeve he'll follow her anywhere!"

Jackie Drake, principal of Debut Theatre School which is producing the show, said: "We didn't know until after the audition that Sinead wasn't a big fan of dogs but she wanted the part so much she was determined to overcome her fear and win the part."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.