TWELVE-year-old Adele McFarlane's summer holidays got off to a tuneful start.

The talented singer has not only got through to the final audition for a main part in the West End production of Billy Elliot, she is also taking part in the Cleveland Centre's Top Spot Singing Competition.

The Hartlepool youngster, who was a finalist in last year's Top Spot contest in the shopping centre, is hoping to get through to the heats again this summer in the annual competition.

Adele, from Hartlepool, said: "I loved singing at last year's Top Spot competition.

"It helped me gain confidence singing in front of an audience and it led to me performing with Susannah Clark at Middlesbrough Town Hall for the Captain Cook celebrations.

"I'm really excited about Billy Elliot and Top Spot - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for both."

Top Spot is open to singers aged 11 to 18. Entry forms are available from the Cleveland Centre or by calling (01642) 655000. The deadline for recorded entries is Wednesday, August 4.

A singer since she was three years old, Adele is down to the last five from 3,000 other hopefuls to play the part of Billy Elliot's friend Debbie. She is in London this weekend for the final audition. If she doesn't get the role, though, she is still guaranteed a smaller part in the production.

Published: 24/07/2004