Two sisters have given up their Taylor Swift tickets to put on a performance of their own.

Sisters, Rebecca and Alice Wilkie aged 17 and 11, who have been students at the Ipswich Stagecoach school for over eight years, were looking forward to their big annual show, only to discover it clashed with their date with Taylor.

But, like all true performers, they realised the show must go on so they gave up their tickets to ensure they would be on stage themselves.

Ipswich Sisters, Rebecca, 17 and Alice, 11 before the Stagecoach Summer show performance Ipswich Sisters, Rebecca, 17 and Alice, 11 before the Stagecoach Summer show performance  (Image: Stagecoach) Alice in particular was determined to perform as the annual show was the goal she had set herself when she received her brain tumour diagnosis.

The big annual show involved 70 students. Stagecoach Ipswich Principal, Sarah, could not be more proud. She said: “Having seen Rebecca and Alice grow in our school over the last eight years, I can see first hand how performing arts has made a huge difference to their lives, including through the recent very difficult times.

"Not only does the school give them performing arts skills for life, but it also gives them courage, belief and a range of soft skills to help them be whoever they want to be, on and off the stage. Alice and Rebecca are both incredible students and will continue to take part in a number of performances over the coming months.”

Alice performing with her classmatesAlice performing with her classmates (Image: Stagecoach) Alice and Rebecca’s mum, Alex, said: “Stagecoach has literally kept my girls going over the last three and a half years.  It’s something safe, and certain, in a world which can sometimes feel anything but for Rebecca and Alice.”

Rebecca said the school had helped her stay connected to her friends, distracted her from everyday worries and supported her anxiety. While Alice,  said it had helped with her anxiety and given her a sense of normality since her diagnosis. She loves music and dance, but finds some social settings difficult. Being at Stagecoach has helped her with her challenges.

For more information about Stagecoach, visit www.stagecoach.co.uk