AN Inverclyde youth theatre group has won a slot on the famous Royal Mile as they head to perform at one of the world's biggest festivals.

The talented Kayos cast are taking their hit musical '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' to the Edinburgh Fringe.

They have secured a festival venue and so far have raised £2,500 thanks to a crowdfunding campaign.

Now they have been told by Fringe bosses they can pitch their show to the thousands of visitors passing by on the famous stretch.

Kayos director Kevin Jannetts said: "I really thought we had no chance of securing a spot on the Royal Mile. This is great news. We can give some many more people a taste of our show." It is the first time in 40 years that a youth theatre from Inverclyde has performed at the Fringe.

Kevin was determined to give his rising stars a taste of the big stage after the incredible response to the musical when it played to Beacon audiences last October.

So far they have been flooded with donations and support, including backing from Creative Inverclyde and Summerhouse Media.

Kevin added: "The response from the people in Inverclyde has been incredible. I am so excited for the young people to have this opportunity, we have so many talented youngsters.

"I have always wanted to take a local youth theatre company to the Fringe.

"You go there and you see kids from an American high school performing and I always think, 'why can't we do this?'.

"But it is very expensive. The young people worked so hard to get their family and friends to support them."

Kevin will be supported by musical director Sian Campbell.

The Spelling Bee will be performed at the Double Tree by Hilton, the first time it will be used as a venue for the festival.

Kevin added: "Former Kayos member Stephanie Irvine is now a director of sales with the Hilton and helped make it happen."

Kayos would like to thank local companies Riverside Inverclyde, Amazon and Arnold Clark for their support.

The theatre company will perform on Friday August 4, 9 and 10 at 7.30pm. They will also be on the Royal Mile on Friday and Saturday from 1.40pm.