MERISSA Porter first showed her love of the stage while still at school. As a pupil at Edward Peake Middle School she wrote a play. When she progressed to Stratton Upper School, the stage still played a major part in her life singing and dancing. Now at t

MERISSA Porter first showed her love of the stage while still at school.

As a pupil at Edward Peake Middle School she wrote a play. When she progressed to Stratton Upper School, the stage still played a major part in her life singing and dancing.

Now at the age of 22 the former Biggleswade schoolgirl, whose first job at the age of 14 was in a town centre pizza shop, is a talented singer with a girl band and earning a living on stage most nights of the week.

Merissa, whose mother lives in Dunton, is a member of the Crazy Girls who sing with Mr Skillz. The group recently released their first single with EMI Records I Know U Like Me.

"Life is wicked at the moment and I am enjoying every minute of it," said Merissa who is now living in Surbiton but returns home to Dunton every few weeks to see her mother and also visits Biggleswade to meet old school friends.

"I am having so much fun doing what my dream always was as a young girl and that is to sing professionally.

"I have always enjoyed writing my own music and playing the guitar in a country and rock style so to get this break in the music business is fantastic.

"When I heard the girls wanted a new member I rushed along to the audition and couldn't believe it when they chose me. It is hard work but I love every minute and hopefully the dream will last a long time."

When Merissa, who has three sisters and a brother, left school the beautiful teenager from Biggleswade immediately caught the eyes of the fashion world and she was the face of many major promotions.

But despite her brush with fame, Merissa has never forgotten her roots.

"I love going back home and meeting up with old school friends," added Merissa.

"A lot of people say their schooldays were the worst of their lives. To me they were the best years.

"It is good to see a lot of my old mates and after all Biggleswade was where I had my first paid job in Pizza Town when I was 14 and the place is still there.

"But going back home regularly and seeing Mum means I can have a rest away from singing with the group which can be hectic with a lot of travelling and late nights.