Ashley's social work studies are her priority

Ashley has reached Level 4 in performing speech and drama and has now received formal recognition by way of a diploma from Trinity College, London.

She was tutored by Shorna Newcombe-Meggit who runs a speech and drama school based in Ballycastle and her present status of gold standard in verse and pros entitles her to teach, but while she would undoubtedly profit from this, Ashley says nothing will get in the way of her social work studies at Bradford Univeristy.

The 19-year-old Stranocum girl, who is a first year student, insists she must finish her academic studies before making any decisions about her future.

"Although I could teach at a private level, I would have to wait until I was 21 and get a PG certificate to go into schools," Ashley told the Times.

All of this is something of an irrelevance at present because Ashley will soon be heading back to Bradford to resume her studies following a short break.

Mum, Jacqueline, is delighted with her daughter's progress at all levels and is leaving any future decision about her career firmly in Ashlely's own hands.