HERE is a young singer from Worcester who is taking part in the regional finals of Idol 2008.

Talley Smith, aged 17, of Newtown Road, Worcester, is taking part in the regional finals in Wolverhampton Civic Hall next month.

She will be singing River Deep Mountain High which was sung by Celine Dion.

She said: “I’m really excited – singing has been a passion since I was young.”

She won £1,000 as the most improved singer in the Text Factor 2 competition at Sin Bar in New Street, Worcester, in May.

Idol 2008 is a talent competition for both singers and dancers.

The competition offers the competitors the opportunity to perform live in front of large audiences as well as the chance to win up to £25,000 in prizes.

The winners of the regional competition progress to the national finals.

Miss Smith has tickets which cost £7.50 each to sell. To buy a ticket, e-mail her on x-nsmith-x@hotmail.com.