Angmering girl’s magical number comes up today

Excited Alisha Pragnell is celebrating her 11th birthday on the 11th day, of the 11th month, of the 11th year, something which has left friends and family amused.

And as if that was not unusual enough, Alisha’s favourite number happens to be 11, too.

Speaking this week, St Margaret’s CE Primary School pupil Alisha said that her school friends have been joking with her about the up-coming birthday.

She said: “They were quite surprised when they all realised. I’m really excited about it, though. It’s really strange and odd to have a birthday like this.”

Alisha, who has been a member of the Littlehampton-based TS Sussex Sea Cadets band for four months, already has big plans to mark her birthday celebrations, which will coincide with this year’s Armistice Day memorial services.

Mum Amanda, 33, said: “She will be having a very grown-up meal with a couple of her friends, as one of her birthday treats.

“She is a bit mature for her age, but she is really looking forward to it.”

A proud Alisha will also be helping to mark this year’s Remembrance Sunday service, playing the cymbals with the cadet band, as part of the Littlehampton ceremony.

“She has been an absolutely fantastic child. She is so proud to be playing during the ceremony,” said Amanda.

“Alisha has been practising every week for the service and is really looking forward to it. She is such a brilliant child.”

Alisha, who trains every week with the cadets, took part in last week’s record-breaking Bonfire Night festivities, as well as the East Preston Festival’s carnival procession, in June.

She now hopes to learn how to play the bass drum, for future marches.