A YOUNG songwriter from Wimborne has made it into the semi-finals of an international competition.

Luke Selby said he is hoping to make it into the final stages of the UK Songwriting Contest, which accepts entrants from across the globe, following his success with pop song Laugh All You Want.

The 20-year-old only began writing songs in recent years, although has been playing an instrument since the age of three.

He said: “It’s the biggest competition for song writers in the world, so it’s absolutely amazing to have come this far.

“I sent them my track and then a panel of judges from the industry give it a rating, which you can only see when you’re eliminated from the competition, so I have no idea what their thoughts on the song is at the moment.”

Luke, a former QE School student, works professionally as a drummer. He performs with singers including Acoustic Guitarist of the Year 2011 Will McNichol, and teaches others how to play the instrument at the Academy of Contemporary Music Regional in Bournemouth.

He also plays the piano.

“I’ll have to submit a second song, which I’ve written but hasn’t yet got a title,” Luke said.

“Laugh All You Want made it into the semi-finals in two categories – pop as well as jazz and blues. It sounds a bit like an Amy Winehouse track I think.”

But it’s not just the late soul singer who acts as inspiration for Luke.

“I’m really into disco music – I love Earth, Wind and Fire. My dad played a lot of country music himself, so that’s something I grew up with too,” he said.

The UK Songwriting Contest was launched in 2002 in association with The BRIT School, Music Aid UK and top industry professionals.