DORSET schoolboy Tom Andrews has had a testing time of it recently – winning the Star Sensations singing competition while still sitting his GCSEs.

The Colyton Grammar School pupil auditioned in Weymouth – and later won the competition to find the best singer in Dorset and on the South Coast.

After wowing the judges at the finale in Bournemouth, Tom’s parents whisked him off home for some well-earned rest before he sat a French oral exam the following morning.

Tom, 15, said: “I wouldn’t say I had a great night’s sleep and, to be honest, I still felt half asleep in the exam room but I think I did all right.

“I’ve entered other singing competitions before but this is the first one I’ve won outright.

“It’s also the biggest crowd I’ve ever sung to and I really enjoyed it.

“It was fantastic.”

Around 780 people turned out to watch the Dorset Echo backed Star Sensations finale at Bournemouth’s Carrington House Hotel following auditions and heats held in Weymouth, Bournemouth and Southampton.

Tom, of Exmouth, won the first prize of £1,000 and was named Star Sensation 2009 after singing Joss Stone’s Right To Be Wrong.

He said: “I couldn’t believe that I’d actually won something and I think it’s still probably sinking in now.”

Tom first sang in a karaoke competition at the age of 13 and now hopes to follow a career in music, having also recently taken up song writing and playing guitar.

Tom’s mum Lynne said: “I am a very proud mum.

“Tom’s father John and I have always believed in him ever since we first heard him sing Bohemian Rhapsody on karaoke at 13.”

In second place in the competition was Charley Macauley, who auditioned in Southampton, and Victor Chetcute, of Bournemouth, came third.

In fourth place was Lauren Medway, who auditioned in Weymouth, with the audience’s vote going to Chloe Akam of Bournemouth.

The competition’s youngest competitor, 12-year-old Lauren performed the classic song Summertime, previously covered by the likes of Bille Holiday, The Doors and Janis Joplin.

Lauren said: “I was disappointed not to win but it was good to be on a stage in front of that many people and singing.”

The event raised £2,500 for Childline and £500 for independent lifeboat organisation, Solent Rescue.

Among the competition judges were X Factor 2007 finalist Niki Evans and Newsquest Dorset’s editor-in-chief Neal Butterworth.