A YOUNG singer performed for hospital patients ahead of her bid for reality TV stardom.

Ashleigh O’Neill, 16, from Thames Way, Darlington, reached the fourth round of the X Factor two years ago, but now feels she is better equipped for the competition.

She hopes to enter next year’s show, as well as auditioning for ITV1’s showcase Britain’s Got Talent.

This week, Ashleigh performed to an audience of patients at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

The Stockton Riverside College performing arts student said: “I was a little bit nervous at first, but I enjoy singing more than anything, especially when I see the smiling faces.”

Ashleigh sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, and Amazing Grace.