Local talent Anna Youngs hopes to wow judges after securing a place in a top singing competition.

The 21-year-old from Broadmayne has won a spot in the first round of the Open Mic 11 singing competition. The contest searches for the UK’s most talented unsigned singers and offers them the chance to compete for the ultimate prize.

Anna will perform in the regional finals at the Highlight Comedy Club in Plymouth. She is among entrants still in the running to perform at the O2 arena in London and win the singing contract of a lifetime.

The University of Winchester graduate, who has performed since childhood, auditioned for the contest after preparing a two-minute acoustic cover to the song Nobody Knows by Pink.

She said: “It was quite daunting. There were five others on the stage with me and we each had to step forward and sing to a panel of judges.”

“I did my own version of Pink’s Nobody Knows. My dad played the guitar in the background, which added an acoustic backing track.”

Anna who has just completed a business management and marketing degree is relieved and excited to be able to prepare for the show.

She said: “Singing is something I have always been passionate about. The best thing about being involved in a competition like this is the confidence it gives you. It is a great opportunity for you to have some fun and meet new people.”

Inspired by artists such as Beyonce, Adele and Jessie J, Anna said she has a song in mind for the finals and hopes to adapt it to her own style.

Despite having no formal training Anna won the Dorset Music Award in 2002 and made it to the finals of the South West singing competition Star Sensations earlier this year.

She said “My ultimate goal would be to become my own artist and write my own songs. “I would love to make the finals, it would be amazing to perform at the O2 in London.”