A TALENTED teenager who writes his own songs has won over judges at the TeenStar auditions.

Greg Johnson, a student at St Peter’s school in Southbourne, is among impressive performers who have secured a place in the regional finals.

The regional head-to-head competition will take place in front of hundreds of audience members and a professional judging panel on Sunday. The winning act will head to the O2 in London for the finals.

His mum Susan, from Mill Road, Throop, said: “Writing songs and singing is Greg’s passion and he is hoping to make a living out of being a singer/songwriter.

“Performing his own songs, instead of cover versions, is a bit risky but it’s worked so far and we’re hoping Greg will wow the judges again at the Carrington Hotel in Bournemouth on Sunday.”

Young singer Natasha Wollen was also selected from more than 100 hopefuls to take part in the Teen Star regional finals.

The 12-year-old from Poole sang Beautiful by Christina Aguilera. She has been making music since she was a young child.

“I prefer singing to people I don’t know,” she said. “I enjoyed it. I can sing anything, but prefer soul or pop.”

Proud Dad Jamie, who accompanies her on the guitar said: “She’s done very well. She’s got a lovely voice.”

Canford Heath School pupil Louise Jessica Punchard, 10, is taking part in the pre-teen category of the competition.

Her proud mum, Lynne, said: “Louise does private singing lessons with a coach and it was her who suggested that she enter TeenStar.

“So, she entered the Pre-teen category, where she had to audition in front of six judges, including radio producers and music labels.

“Louise sang Wings by Little Mix and the feedback she got was that she gave a good, solid performance and has great potential.

“She also auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent last year, and whilst she didn’t get through, it’s all good experience, and she got interviewed on camera.

“She’s always been destined to perform, but she is still very young, so we remind her to just do her best.

“Fortunately, she just takes it all in her stride, and her dad, Luke, her brother, Lewis, and I, are all very proud of her.”

For more information, go to Teenstarcompetition.co.uk.

Other local contestants due to take part in the regional finals include: Age up to 12 – Olivia Pearce, Snapshots, Heather Lonnon, Ella Brooks, Nicole.

Aged 13-15 – Rachel-ann; Nichole Mundembe; Greg Johnson; Step C; Hannah Stienen; Adela-Mae Marshall; Jamillah; Sophie Clements.

Age 16 and over – Molly Smyth; Off-Beat.