A STAR in the making will sing her heart out for the chance to perform in front of a packed house at the O2 Arena in London.

Woodroffe School student Annabel Davies, 12, has qualified for the south west regional finals of the Open Mic UK contest, being held in Bristol on November 3.

She has decided to sing Michael Buble’s chart hit Feeling Good in front of the four judges, who include record producers and music managers and will compete against 25 others in a bid to guarantee her place at the coveted national finals in London.

A self-confessed jazz fan, Annabel said her first performance was singing ‘Castle on a Cloud’ from the film Les Miserables at a talent competition at Freshwater Beach Holiday Park in Burton Bradstock, and she credits this for sparking her interest in music.

She has since performed at Lyme Regis events, including B Sharp’s Big Mix and Busking Festival and the Folk Festival.

Annabel, who lives in Axminster, said: “When I performed the song from Les Miserables it really gave me the confidence to keep going and now I’m always looking for an opportunity to sing.

“I’ve got some really good coaches and they really help me.

“My dad is always giving me tips and is so enthusiastic about singing and Pete Wild from B Sharp trains me as well.

“I loved singing for B Sharp – the busking festival was really good and I was able to donate £50 to the charity which made me feel good. All my friends and family have been really supportive and I’m really looking forward to it – I can’t wait.”

Mother Sue Davies said the whole family would be travelling up the M5 to go and support her at the competition.

Mrs Davies said: “We are all totally proud of her and love seeing her sing. She has such a powerful voice, one of her elder brothers thought she had a superpower the first time he heard it.”

Fran Williams, founder of B Sharp, described Annabel as one of the star performers for the charity. Mrs Williams said: “She is a really lovely girl and one of our star performers. She showed star quality at the Big Mix and I wish her the best of luck.”

To prepare for the competition, she will be performing at the No.10 Bar in Bridport this Saturday, October 5, at 4pm. For details visit openmicuk.co.uk