TEENAGE singing sensation Danielle Hope has thanked Urmston residents for their “fantastic support” as she prepares for the final of Over the Rainbow.

The 18-year-old who has been called a “raw talent” by Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber is now competing against just two girls on the BBC1 talent show for the role of Dorothy in a new West End version of The Wizard of Oz.

Danielle, a Knutsford High School student and former Highfield Primary pupil, said reaching the final was “absolutely incredible”.

“I never thought that I’d ever get here. At first it was never an option to get to the final and now that I have the pressure is on but it is just so exciting,” she said.

She added that the support from family and friends in Urmston had been “unbelievable”.

“Urmston has been fantastic. I came home last week and had a look at some of the shops who have done window displays and everyone has just gone crazy, they are more obsessed than I am!

“Everyone has really come together in Urmston and it is great to be the cause of that,” Danielle said.

Ann Radley, Danielle’s grandmother, said Urmston had been taken over by “Dorothy fever”.

“It’s been phenomenal, I think the whole of Urmston is behind her, people have really taken her to their hearts.

“Everyone seems to see the extra special something she seems to have, that special star quality.

“I think Andrew Lloyd-Webber summed it up when he said she was extraordinary and rare,” she said.

Ann urged people to keep voting for the teenager at the final on Saturday night. “Let’s have an Urmston Dorothy,” she said.

Danielle said her time on the show had been “absolutely wonderful” and she was nervous and excited for Saturday’s show.