Pictures: From Doncaster Rovers cheerleader to Eurovision Song Contest hopeful - meet town singing star Raya

She began her career in school plays and as a cheerleader for Doncaster Rovers - but now local singer Rachel Clark is set for her biggest stage yet.

Rachel, 27, from Barnby Dun, is one of of six musical hopefuls hoping to represent the United Kingdom at this year's all-singing, all-dancing television spectacular - and its all a far cry from her early days.

Rachel, known as Raya, began her performing career as a Doncaster Rovers Vikette.placeholder image
Rachel, known as Raya, began her performing career as a Doncaster Rovers Vikette.
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And perfoming has always been in Rachel's blood.

Rachel (left) in a production of Bugsy Malone at Hungerhill School in 2004.placeholder image
Rachel (left) in a production of Bugsy Malone at Hungerhill School in 2004.

She first stepped into the limelight during her time at Hungerhill, taking part in school productions and later becoming one of The Vikettes, the now disbanded Doncaster Rovers' cheerleading troupe.

Here's hoping we'll be the ones cheering Rachel onto victory next week!

Rachel (left) in The Black Cloak at Hungerhill in 2003.placeholder image
Rachel (left) in The Black Cloak at Hungerhill in 2003.
She spent many years as a Doncaster Rovers Vikette.placeholder image
She spent many years as a Doncaster Rovers Vikette.
Rachel will be bidding to represent the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.placeholder image
Rachel will be bidding to represent the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
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