LOCAL support almost raised the roof when a budding young singer made the grand final of a major national TV contest.

Sixteen-year-old Amanda Tinkler was the focus of more than 300 people who flocked to Kirkby Stephen Grammar School Hall, on Saturday, where her parents set up big screens to broadcast her appearance on ITV's junior edition of Stars in Their Eyes.

Amanda has never had singing lessons and practises for one hour a night but delighted crowds with her rendition of I'm Like a Bird as she dressed up as pop star Nelly Furtado.

Steve Tinkler, the gifted youngster's father, said: "We are chuffed to bits that she just got on the show because 23,000 youngsters applied for it and to get this far is beyond all dreams."

Mr Tinkler believes part of her success is that she has always seized opportunities to take part in village concerts and competitions on holiday.

"She has progressed from experience.

It is nice to see her grow up and improve as every time she goes out she does even better," he said.

Amanda will spend a few days rehearsing in Manchester and then compete with five other contestants to try to scoop the top prize in the live grand final on October 5.