A POOLE girl has been crowned as the winner of a national singing competition for young people.

Rachel-Ann Stroud, 16, who lives in Wallisdown, came out on top of the annual TeenStar competition, which saw her sing live onstage at The NEC in Birmingham in front of a packed audience.

She had to battle her way past more than 9,000 other music acts who entered the singing competition this year and won the judges over with her rendition of Wicked Game by Chris Isaak during the grand final.

Rachel-Ann said: "It's been crazy. When I heard that I had won it, I didn't believe it. I was so excited to get to the finals as I have entered before and not got that far.

"My friends have been very supportive and some of them even came to watch me sing in the finals."

Asked what she wants to do in the future, Rachel-Ann said: "I'm planning to audition for The Voice. Otherwise, I want to get more contacts, do some more gigs and keep pushing my voice further.

"I'm also considering writing my own songs in the future, as it would be nice to perform some of my own work as well."

Her proud mum, Sue, said: "Rachel-Ann is always singing. She's done a lot of charity work with Victoria School, including a workshop, play and performances for them. She has always supported them.

"She also goes out busking to build her confidence and to get her name out there.

"We are her parents and we have always believed in her. I can listen to her sing for hours and hours."

Rachel-Ann's prize from TeenStar is a recording and development deal including a £5,000 advance to spend on the development of her music.

Chris Grayston, head judge and director of Future Music, said: "Rachel-Ann has been a stand out act throughout the TeenStar competition.

"Her unique vocal range and emotive performances make her a clear winner."