THEY have grown up together, gone to school together and now brother and sister Finn and Amelia Richards are treading the boards together.

The youngsters from Stockton Heath will appear in ABD’s production of The Pied Piper at The Brindley in Runcorn from July 28 to 31.

Finn has one of the main junior roles as Erik, who leads the children of Hamelin away from home.

The 11-year-old also has two ensemble parts and will be singing a solo. Amelia, nine, has an ensemble part which also includes a mime on stage with one of the leads.

It is their second time together in a professional production after sharing a stage for ABD’s A Christmas Carol in November.

Finn said: “I started off on stage by myself and I like to think Amelia was inspired by my actions.”

Finn was only seven when he became stage-struck in a nativity play.

He joined AT Dance’s Spotlight Stage School two years later when he was discovered by ABD.

The theatre company was impressed by his voice, confidence and enthusiasm.

Finn has previously appeared in the company’s productions of Peter Pan, Her Benny and A Christmas Carol.

He added: “When I did Peter Pan it was really exciting but I was extremely nervous.”

Finn and Amelia both perform ballet together.

Dad Jonathan said: “Not a lot of boys do ballet so they’ve been really good with him and given him a lot of support.”

Next up for Finn is an ensemble part in Wind in the Willows, written by Downton Abbey’s Julian Fellows and starring Rufus Hound.

Finn is appearing at The Lowry from October 27 to November 6.

He said: “It’s absolutely incredible. I didn’t expect for one minute that I’d get it. They thought I was right for it so I’m amazed.”

n For tickets for The Pied Piper visit thebrindley.org.uk or call 0151 907 8360.