A LOCAL girl has been given the big thumbs up by judges at the 'Open Mic UK' auditions.

Eighteen-year-old Charlotte-Jayne Gilpin from Begelly has made it through to the regional finals and will now be performing at the live stages of 'Open Mic UK 2009'.

Open Mic UK 2009 is an exciting new national talent competition which searches for the UK's best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material.

Charlotte-Jayne will now be competing for a place in the National Final and the chance to grab a breakthrough recording contract.

Over 10,000 hopefuls entered nationwide and hundreds of auditionees queued patiently on the day for their turn to impress the judges. Those who made it through the audition stage will now take part in a live head to head battle in front of hundreds of 4 and 25 and over.

The prize for the overall winning act will be to record their own album in professional studios with an industry vocal specialist, with the potential of large investment for a single release as well as the aim to nationally chart. The winners will additionally have the opportunity to tour across the UK.

For more information go to the website http://www.openmicuk.co.uk">www.openmicuk.co.uk