The Lever House Primary School pupil applied to audition alongside thousands of others despite suffering a cardiac arrest during her school sports day in June.

The 10-year-old has since overcome an operation to fit an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator after being diagnosed with a type of a condition called Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome.

Mirren's proud mum, Caroline claims the incident has given Mirren a complete new outlook on life.

She said: "Mirren received a letter inviting her to the auditions after she applied online and it was the first I knew of it.

"She has been involved in drama and singing in the past and has now got the outlook that you only live once and she wanted to go for it.

"She sang Hero in front of a cameraman and producer at the Lowry in Manchester and when she finished she burst out crying, but I think it was more relief than anything else.

"I had tried to talk her out of the auditions because I didn't want her to be under any pressure, but she did really well and was really confident.

"The performance was emotional and we're not fussed about the outcome - Mirren went for the experience and anything else is a bonus."

Mirren was saved by her teachers Jenny-Lee O'Keeffe and Andrew How after they gave her CPR until the ambulance crews arrived after collapsing and losing consciousness during a practice run at the sports day.

Caroline added: "We are all really, really proud of Mirren and she continues to do really well even though it is still early days in the recovery process.

"She has been exceptionally lucky and her story has touched a lot of people and we continue to be overwhelmed by the amount of support we receive.

"Stanley House Nursery, where Mirren went as a child and where her sister Olivia goes, is holding a Christmas Fair on December 4 to help raise money for charity in her name and Lever House are also looking to do something for charity."

Proceeds raised from the Stanley House Nursery Christmas Fair will be donated to the Alder Hey Cardiac Unit, where Mirren still attends appointments, and Rock FM's Christmas appeal.

The free event will run from 6pm to 8pm and will include cake, jewellery and book stalls and a raffle. For information contact Joss McQee at the Croston Road nursery, in Farington Moss, on 01772 421924.