SCHOOLGIRL Zoe Birkett did not need to enter television's Popstars programme in her bid to realise her dream of singing stardom. The 15-year-old pupil at Carmel School, Darlington, has just signed to a local recording label and is hoping to clinch a major deal in the future. She began her singing and dancing career aged three, went on to perform at the christening of Prime Minister Tony Blair's son, Leo, and made it to the last 12 out of thousands to join the pop group, S Club 7. Zoe will study A-levels in music, art, Spanish and psychology, while waiting for her big career break. Picture: NIGEL WHITFIELD