Young singer Rachel Allder could sing at the O2 arena if she impresses the judges at the area finals of Open Mic UK .

The 14-year-old St John’s pupil, who goes by the stage name Rea, beat off stiff competition from thousands of entrants in the regional showcase by wowing the crowd and judging panel with her version of Bubbly by American singer Colbie Caillat.

On Saturday Rachel, of Savernake Road, Burbage, will be performing an acoustic version of Rihanna’s what’s My Name at The area finals in Fernham Hall.

She said: “I’m really excited, I didn’t expect to get this far but I’ve been practicing and practicing.

“I chose the song because it’s not something people would expect me to and everyone’s been quite shocked when I’ve told them but when they hear what I’ve done with it they really like it.

“My mum and dad and my brother Samuel and some close friends and some people from a singing group I help out with are coming to see me, I love seeing their faces when I perform.

“I like to keep it a surprise so I haven’t really performed it in front of my friends yet but my family have heard it at they really like it.

“It’s really stripped back and quite different so I hope the judges like it.”

If she makes it through this round she will perform at the finals at the O2 arena on January 18.

The competition is hosted by Future Music and the winner will be given £5,000 to spend on the development of their act.