ABERLADY actress Hannah Collins has been expanding her skills after a visit to Broadway and the chance to sing for one of the biggest singing stars on the internet.

Hannah, daughter of John Collins, the former Celtic, Hibs, Everton, Monaco and Scotland footballer and current Celtic assistant manager, flew to New York City as part of an educational trip organised by The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh.

And while there she had the chance to meet the casts of two of the biggest shows The Colour Purple, which features Jennifer Hudson, and Fun Home, which recently won five Tony Awards.

Hannah, 19, who has wanted to perform since she was a child and is currently in her last year of studying a full-time musical theatre course at The MGA Academy, described the trip as inspirational.

She said: "I loved seeing the Broadway shows and felt so lucky to be given the opportunity to chat to the cast members after they were finished.

They were full of great advice for me about what to do once I graduate. They taught me that it’s incredibly important to be confident in all my abilities as a performer. The competition in this industry is tough so you have to commit to being the very best you can."

During her trip Hannah was given the chance to sing for Bonnie Milligan. Bonnie, who has appeared on dozens of off Broadway shows is a huge star on video-sharing website youTube, where hundreds of thousands of people tune in to watch her performances.

Hannah said: “I was a bit nervous but she was lovely and made me feel completely at ease. It was an honour to sing for her and hear her thoughts."

After returning from New York, the former George Watson’s Secondary School pupil drew upon the skills gained from her training at The MGA Academy of Performing Arts to entertain evening guests at the upmarket Le Monde venue on Edinburgh’s George Street.

She said: "It was great to have the support of my friends and family, especially when performing in such an intimate venue. Sometimes I find that more nerve-wracking than performing on a huge stage as you can actually see everybody in audience."

Andrew Gowland, Managing Director of The MGA Academy, said: "Our annual New York trip gives students the opportunity to experience and appreciate the theatre and culture of the USA, whilst getting to enjoy all that one of the best cities in the world has to offer."