A TEENAGER is celebrating after qualifying for the area finals of a talent contest.

Singer Holly Bowron, 13, was one of 12 aspiring young stars who progressed from the 13 to 15 age group in the North-East finals of the Teen Star competition, held at the Tyne Theatre, in Newcastle, on Saturday (March 23).

Holly, from Framwellgate Moor, Durham City, was one of ten youngsters picked out by the judges. Two more progressed following an audience vote.

The St Leonard’s RC School pupil will now contest the area finals, again at the Tyne Theatre, on Sunday, May 12. If she is successful again, she will compete in the national finals at the O2 Arena in London.