A former RSPCA rescue dog is to play a lead role in a stage production of the musical Annie.

Sunny, a seven-year-old cross between a Norfolk Terrier and a Jack Russell, is to take the role of Annie's dog Sandy in the Chelis Theatre Company's production at the Playhouse Theatre, Weston-super-Mare.

Sunny was originally taken to the North Somerset branch of the RSPCA as an unwanted three-month-old puppy and was adopted by Gay Probert.

Last September, the Weston-super-Mare woman saw a feature in a newspaper appealing for dogs to audition to play the role of Sandy, and felt that Sunny would be ideal.

Sunny's a lovely little dog, ideal in appearance and with a sandy-coloured coat Cheryl Watson

She said: "Sunny has just the right scruffy-coated appealing look to him, and I was delighted when he got the part.

"He's never done anything like this before, but really seems to enjoy it - his tail wags all the time he's on stage.

"He's very obedient and goes to Annie when she calls him. Having a similar name to Sandy is a bonus, and no doubt the treats in her pocket help as well."

Cheryl Watson of Chelis Theatre said: "Sunny's a lovely little dog, ideal in appearance and with a sandy-coloured coat.

Canine companion

"He's friendly and has settled very well with the children. His first time on the stage will be this Friday with the dress rehearsal, and we're expecting him to be a big hit."

The story of Annie is set in 1933 and follows the little girl's attempts to find her parents and escape from an orphanage with her faithful canine companion.

More than 50 local children will be participating in the musical which is being performed on Saturday.