WEST Devon's own seafaring songbird Lucinda Burrows had got herself some shore leave.

But although she is home with parents David and Rosemary Thomas for Christmas the Mary Tavy singer and dancer will be looking forward to the New Year when she is back performing on the cruise ships.

Lucinda, 30, got her break three years ago when Jethro let her sing at his club. She then sang with the Drifters and Roy Wood of Wizzard before landing a contract with Thompson Ships' 'Island Breeze' as a singer dancer.

Now three seasons on she has changed cruise companies and just returned from a two week Far East tour where she visited Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Lucinda has sung her way around the world — but even before she realised her ambition to be a professional performer she has always been on the move.

'I was an airline hostess and travelled widely. When I was flying I used to sing in the Hilton, Barbados and the Holiday Inn at Montego Bay, Jamaica when I was booked on stop-over flights,' she says.

'As a youngster I was in the Methodist Church Choir in Tavistock. Singing has always been my life.'

It is hard to believe this bubbly, engaging person was ever anything other than outgoing but Lucinda admits being a painfully shy child. That changed when she went to America on a student exchange visit and stayed with a family that were in showbusiness.

'The school system was very different. You had to stand up and speak — maybe that's why Americans are more forward.'

While she loves her job she says it is not glamorous. Pre-cruise rehearsals are demanding. She has developed a photographic memory as a result of all the music, lyrics and dance routines that have to be learnt.

'There are nerves before a show — but after you come off stage there is a thrill that you have done it.

'I will never change. I love being on the move. The way I live my life isn't everyone's cup of tea — but it keeps me young at heart!

She sometimes wishes she was settled down, but doesn't think she could do it.

'The wonderful thing about travelling around is that you meet such great people. They give you so many insights into life — and the encouragement to carry on as you are.'

Lucinda says for people living in big cities being on the move is the norm — but in small towns people are more rooted.

'There is nothing wrong with that. Everyone has their own way of life. You choose what you do,' she says.

'I have never had any regrets. I have always done what I wanted but it's not always a bed of roses. It takes a lot of hard work and determination — it's often a case of one step back two steps forward.'