A Richmond schoolgirl has made it through to the regional final of a major singing competition.

Leonne Sullivan, 13, will sing at the regional showcase final of Open Mic UK – one of the UK’s largest singing competitions.

Leonne, who attends Grey Court School, has been singing her whole life and said Leona Lewis being crowned X Factor winner in 2006 was where her talent became more serious.

She said: “I will sing in front of four judges and then a massive crowd – I’m really excited. I think I have got a good chance of getting through.

“It is my dream to be a singer so winning it would be amazing.”

She will sing at the regional final in Camden in front of thousands on October 13 when she will find out if she has made it to the area final.

The overall winner will receive £5,000 to develop their act.