A YOUNG singer from Tilbury has made it to the regional finals of a national singing competition.

Grace Eleanor, 15, will be performing in the Under-16s Live Showcase, on Sunday, November 2, in Chelmsford.

Open Mic UK is one of the biggest searches for unsigned talent in the UK and has discovered artists such as Jahmene Douglas, Luke Friend and Lucy Spraggan, who went on to star in the X Factor.

Grace said: “I will be taking part alongside the best talent in the region in front of hundreds of audience members and a music industry judging panel in a bid to win a place at the national grand final.”

The competition is organised by Future Music and is divided into age categories – Under-16s, 16-20 and 21 and over.

All types of singers, groups and acoustic singer-songwriters are invited to enter.

Events co-ordinator and head of Future Music, Chris Grayston, said: “Every year that we hold this competition the bar is raised and the quality gets higher and higher.

“We’re really looking forward to experiencing the raw talent from across the country.

“For promising singers, songwriters, rappers and vocalists, Open Mic UK provides a real opportunity to open the door to a music career.”

The regional finals take place at the Marconi Social Club, Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, from 12.15pm.