Performers from a Hornchurch theatre will take part in the New Year’s Day parade in Central London.

The Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, will line up with over 6,000 other international performers, and the best borough entries will win a cash prize.

The theatre will be represented by a cast of 40, including members of the Queen’s Community Company and Youth Theatre groups.

They will be singing and dancing, and will also be joined by a 16-foot giant character from the theatre’s pantomime for this season, Jack and the Beanstalk.

The giant will be based on the winning design by Megan Daize, age 10, who attends St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Hornchurch.

Megan was one of 560 competitors who entered the ‘Giant Steps to Havering’ competition, coordinated by the Queen’s Theatre, in November, where entrants were asked to design a giant representing the city of London.

Her design, along with those of 19 runners-up, is now being displayed at the theatre.

Havering Mayor, Cllr Lynden Thorpe, said that Megan has “done the borough proud”.

She added that the theatre would be the “perfect ambassador” for Havering, “especially as 2013 is the theatre’s Diamond Jubilee. As well as being vital locally, the theatre is also an important part of the nation’s theatrical infrastructure and heritage,” she said.