A TEENAGE singing sensation is bracing himself for a performance in front of 12,000 people after winning a talent contest.

Hayden Godbold, aged 16, of Evesham, beat nine other finalists in the Perform on the Pitch competition held at Sixways Stadium on Saturday night.

In a close-run final, Hayden’s version of You Raise Me Up clinched the winning place in the contest, which was in aid of St Richard’s Hospice.

The first prize is to perform on the pitch at the Worcester Warriors’ last home game of the season against Gloucester on Saturday, May 8, next year.

Joanna Street, St Richard’s community fund-raiser, said: “All of the finalists excelled themselves on Saturday night. Some of the singers brought out goose bumps and tears in the audience and the judges!

“We would like to say very well done to the nine acts who didn’t win and congratulations to Hayden for winning the awesome prize.

“It is a unique opportunity for Hayden to showcase his wonderful talent and we would like to thank Worcester Warriors for making this prize possible and for their support throughout the competition.

“This exciting new event has raised over £800 for the hospice, which we are delighted with.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part from the acts who auditioned to our volunteers on the night for their help and everyone else who made Perform on the Pitch – the talent show for Worcestershire – such a success.”

Hayden has just started sixth form at Evesham High School where he is studying music, drama and geography. He has been singing seriously for the last two-and-a-half years.

Second place in the contest went to Mike Skilbeck, aged 28, from Worcester and third place to Ali Webb, 14, from Stockton, near Great Witley.

This year St Richard’s Hospice is celebrating its silver anniversary, marking 25 years of providing free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, and supporting their families.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 2,000 patients and family members in Worcestershire.

For more information, visit strichards.org.uk.