A MOTHER of three has landed a leading role in a top West End show.

Fiveways resident Jayne McKenna, 42, joins the cast of War Horse as Rose Narracott, one of the key characters in the story.

The tale by Michael Morpurgo, which went from book to stage and most recently on to the silver screen, runs at the New London Theatre in the capital until February next year.

It follows Albert, whose beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France at the outbreak of the First World War.

Albert cannot forget Joey and he embarks on a treacherous mission to bring him back to Britain.

Ms McKenna, who previously featured as a witch in a West End production of Macbeth with Sean Bean and Samantha Bond, is thrilled to be involved.

She told The Argus: “I feel incredibly blessed to be part of it.”

Originally from East Kilbride near Glasgow, Ms McKenna moved to the south coast seven years ago and now has three boys, aged nine, five and soon-to-be three.

She said: “My nine-year-old son was so moved by the play last year.

“He’s not really into theatrical studies but it did something for him.

“The play has lifted the story from the pages of the novel.”

“My children are always in my mind as a consideration. It’s a lovely legacy to have.”

Aside from 26 actors, the show uses 12 puppeteers working 23 puppets.

On living in Brighton, Ms McKenna added: “To give your children an upbringing here is a gift.

“Brighton is non-judgemental. It just seemed to me such a happy, positive place.”