Science is opening doors for a schoolgirl who is starring as the element sodium in a Christmas television show.

Ashmole Academy student Alice Chernaik visited the Royal Institution in Mayfair with friends when she was picked out of the audience to take part in the annual Christmas Lectures.

This year’s lectures, which have been broadcast on the BBC since 1966, are called The Modern Alchemist and aim to teach children about chemistry by looking at the elements that make up air, water and earth.

The 12-year-old from Whitehouse Way in Southgate held up a banner to outline her role as sodium – which is found in salt – and appeared within a giant periodic table recreated in the theatre.

She worked with University of Cambridge chemist Dr Peter Wothers during the special performance.

Her mother Sarah said: "We are very much looking forward to watching it. It’s very exciting for her and she is looking forward to watching it."

She said her daughter is "very interested" in all aspects of science because she finds it "quite inspiring".

Her performance will be aired on BBC Four at 8pm on Thursday, December 27.