A dog has proved he is a natural performer after getting up on stage and performing in front of hundreds of people after only making it to two rehearsals.

Reggie, who is a two-year-old Toy Poodle, auditioned for the role of Belle's dog in Thameside Theatre's production of Beauty and the Beast after his owner, Nina Dack, entered him in.

Ms Dack, 30, from Stanford-le-Hope, said: "We just saw an advert asking people to turn up with dogs, so I took Reggie and he got a part."

Reggie was one of three dogs to get a role, but after one of the dogs dropped out it was only him and one other.

Ms Dack has been impressed with Reggie's performance, who has never been on the stage before.

She said: "He is really brilliant, he is a bit of a natural."

Owing to work commitments, Ms Dack was only able to take Reggie to two rehearsals. But, despite this, Reggie has proven himself a star.

Reggie is now in the role of Belle's dog, and will be performing in 28 shows over the Christmas period.

Ms Dack thinks that she has found Reggie's calling.

She added: "I am hoping that we can do this every year as we are having such a great time and the cast love him."