A young musician's talent has been recognised in an international songwriting contest.

Greta Benn, 12, who is on the autism spectrum, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 8-12-year-old category of the Young Songwriter 2018 competition.

The Ham-based songwriter was the only child, out of 95 entrants in her category, to get two songs on the final 10 shortlist: 'Head Full of Clouds’ and ‘Dear Diary’.

In an interview for the Song Academy, Greta said: “I am a 12-year-old girl on the spectrum who likes to spend time on her own, writing songs, stories and making art.

“I have always been fascinated with how music works, so I started writing my own… I’m always learning new things about music, and I’m creating.

"I make music to satisfy myself, and the fact that other people like it is just a bonus."

'Other people' could soon be singing and songwriting stars Tom Odell, Imelda May and Guy Chambers - the judging panel of the competition.

Greta is also hoping to challenge mistaken beliefs about autism.

“People who are not on the autistic spectrum often think that being on your own is in itself intrinsically sad and something that needs fixing," she said.

"I’m not spending time alone because I am too afraid to come out and socialise with you. I am actively choosing to be on my own."

Greta recently started at Hinchley Wood School in Esher, which is supported by one of the National Autistic Society’s Cullum Centres, and has a passion for art as well as music.

She has been having piano lessons since she was five years old and wrote her first song two years ago for a school project. Most of Greta’s songs are about the issues surrounding autism.

Clara, Greta's mum, contacted the National Autistic Society to let them know about her daughter’s success. She said: “I know well that ‘autistic’ is sadly still frequently used as an insult by some kids - Greta has both experienced and written about this.

"I also have plenty of personal experience of well-meaning adults, who cannot conceive of an autistic child being an exceptionally creative girl. 

“I would love Greta’s story to stand as a positive example of how much people on the autism spectrum can offer when allowed to thrive in an appropriate environment."

Here is a link to Soundcloud, where you can listen to Greta’s songs: https://soundcloud.com/greta_the_intesting