Ref. 27234-29AWARD winning young performer Elliott Watling - who doctors thought might not survive his first weeks of life - finished the year doing what he does best.

The 10-year-old from Covingham has been on stage again, this time performing at the town's Arts Centre with the New Youth Theatre to a sell-out crowd.

Elliott was born 10 weeks premature and doctors feared he might not live through the first fragile stages of life.

But the Covingham Park Junior School pupil has since sung and danced his way to success, this year becoming one of the youngest ever winners of the Swindon Youth Awards.

This Christmas he took part in the New Youth Theatre's Alternative Carol Concert, singing the old classics in a revamped style.

Jingle Bells was performed in a Status Quo style while Silent Night was given a blues makeover. Elliott also rapped the song Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Rob Perrett, owner of the New Youth Theatre, said: "Elliott is a great singer and a great performer. He really enjoys his singing.

"He has developed very well since he joined us in January. He behaves like a seasoned professional and is very committed, enthusiastic and energetic."

Elliott was given the Swin-don Youth Award in November to acknowledge his inspirational enthusiasm for life.

He has a gruelling schedule of commitments each week and plays guitar, cello and recorder.

Added to that he enjoys football, swims and regularly sings in the school choir.

He attends the Dorcan Performing Arts Group every Tuesday evening as well as the New Youth Theatre each Saturday afternoon.

Next March he will be singing in the chorus of Aladdin with the Dorcan group.

It has only been a few months since he took to the stage as the Artful Dodger in a musical production of Oliver. He stole the limelight with his performance of Consider Yourself in October.

"He loves singing. He's really got the performing bug and has taken a real shine to it," said his mum Gail, 34, a pre-school assistant.

When Elliott was born on November 29, 1993, his heart and lungs had not properly developed.

He overcame a bout of infections and pneumonia, spending a total of three months in intensive care.

He has since progressed well through infant school and is doing well at junior school.

Elliott and brother Michael, 11, both enjoyed Christmas with his mum and dad Paul, 37.

Both boys were delighted to receive a PlayStation2 from Father Christmas.

The family of four spent Christmas Day together in Covingham before visiting relatives in Abingdon on Boxing Day.

"We're having a big family party on New Year's Eve and no doubt there will be lots of singing and dancing involved," said Gail.

Emma-Kate Lidbury