A schoolgirl has beaten thousands of other hopefuls to make it to the regional finals of a singing competition.

Homewood School pupil Holly Fraser, 14, will be singing a song by one of her favourite rock bands – Matchbox Twenty’s Sleeping at the Wheel – in Brighton on Saturday, April 5.

The TeenStar contest is organised by Future Music, a company behind that has groomed discoveries now signed to Columbia Records and Sony Music.

Holly said: “I’m nervous but greatly looking forward to it. All my family, and hopefully some schoolmates, will be going to Brighton to support me on the day.”

Holly also plays the piano and has been working hard on her performance.

“I’ve tried so hard not to forget my lines, but I don’t yet sing them in my sleep," she said.

“I hope everything goes well. I didn’t think I would ever get this far, and was overwhelmed when the judges told me I had got through at the last audition.”

TeenStar organiser Chris Grayston said: “We are looking to find an act that has something unique to offer, another Birdy or Luke Friend that can go all the way, with both the ability to deliver a strong live performance but also potential to become a professional recording artist.”