A SCHOOLGIRL singing sensation has made it through to the final of a national talent competition after wowing the judges.

Dorset’s Got Talent winner Annabel Davies stayed true to her word after vowing to be better than ever this year as she performed at the OpenMic UK South West regional finals on Sunday.

After wowing judges, Woodroffe School pupil Annabel, 13, is through to the final. Annabel, from Lyme Regis, is no stranger to the stage and recently performed at events like B Sharp’s Big Mix and Guitars on the Beach – having also made it to the finals of the Open Mic contest in Birmingham last year.

She attends a theatre school and her ambition is to become a professional singer.

For the regional finals held in Bristol, Annabel teamed up with pianist Toby Tilsted, from Dorchester, and hoped that having a live musician to accompany her rather than a recorded backing track would give her a boost compared to other contestants.

The talented pair took to the stage last out of 24 contestants and performed a rendition of Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys.

The performance saw Annabel win a place at the National Grand Final of the competition, where she will sing her heart out at the NEC in Birmingham on November 22.

Her mother Sue said: “We are over the moon that Annabel made it through the regional finals and has won her place at the grand final in Birmingham NEC.

“She gave a fabulous performance accompanied by Toby Tilsted and they stole the show performing as the final act of the night.

“The performance was polished, confident and accomplished – and Annabel was able to enjoy showing off her incredible vocal range with live piano.”

Annabel first started singing in primary school and since then has sought out any opportunity to perform.

Sue urged those interested in the competition in the West Dorset area to come and show their support for Annabel at the finals.

Tickets are £10 and can be bought from the Open Mic UK website or the Axe music shop in Axminster.

If you would like any further information, visit openmicuk.co.uk.