HER dad is the man who weaved the choreographic magic that brought the wand duels of the Harry Potter books to life on the big screen.

Now eight-year-old Lara Harris is taking her own steps in the world of showbiz after making her professional stage debut at the Theatre Royal.

The Star has previously featured Paul Harris, a former champion ballroom dancer fromHaydock, who created the dazzling wand choreography in the Potter films directed by St Helens' David Yates.

Now Lara has landed a role of a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz after auditioning while visiting her grandmother over the summer.

Paul, who also has a one-year-old daughter Ava with former model Anna Luong, said: "I am so proud my daughter will be following in my footsteps at a theatre where I spent so much time as a performer and spectator in my formative years.

"Lara is so happy to be performing in my home town and this happiness has spread throughout our family."

Paul became the British junior champion in ballroom and Latin American dancing at 15. He went on to study jazz, ballet and historical dance, before attending drama school in London.

Chantelle Nolan, show director, said: "We had no idea of her theatrical heritage before we cast her in the role. The standard was so high and Lara shone in her first performance for us.