A TEENAGE singer is ‘over the moon with excitement’ after being picked as a finalist in the Unsigned Music Awards ahead of thousands of other acts.

Singer-songwriter Zoe Unsworth, of Pownall Street, Leigh, has made the final four shortlist in the Youth Music Award category after her soulful voice with influences of pop impressed a panel of around 80 judges.

The panel is made up of music industry moguls and the awards are dedicated to recognising undiscovered talent or artists who have chosen to remain independent.

The winners receive expert advice on making a mark in the charts as well as meetings with record labels and influential people in the music industry.

Zoe, 17, said: “It would mean the world to me and my family to win the award because I have been working towards this for so long – I have been singing since I was 11 and writing my own songs since I was 12.

“But when I applied I certainly did not expect to get this far. When I found out I had made the final shortlist I was over the moon with excitement.

"It is amazing and has given me such a buzz.

“I have always wanted to work in the music industry. I want to get my music out there to as wide an audience as possible."

The music and music technology A-level student, who is influenced by singing legends Amy Winehouse and Etta James, will discover if she has won the award at a red carpet event at London’s Troxy events and concert venue on October 27.

The televised awards ceremony will be hosted by MTV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Laura Whitmore and Chris Stark from BBC Radio One’s Scott Mills Show and will feature entertainment from five unsigned acts.

For more information about the awards visit theunsignedmusicawards.com.

To find out more about Zoe search for 'Zoe Unsworth Official' on Facebook or visit bit.ly/2d4zpBj.