A SINGER who set up her own business with £2,500 has seen bookings rise month-on-month.

Anna Reay decided to become a professional singer after graduating from Sunderland University with a degree in music.

The 24-year-old, who lives in Gateshead, received a grant and loan from the Prince's Trust to buy equipment.

In the past year, she has won a contract singing cabaret on a cruise ship around the Mediterranean and performed live with her band at weddings, balls and private functions.

She said: "My first year has been very successful. I have been busy performing solo and with the Anna Reay Band and have lots more work in the pipeline."

Anna hopes to find work on another cruise liner this summer and plans to tour theatres in the North-East with her Shania Twain tribute act.

"I'm a really versatile singer. On the cruise ships, it tends to be jazz and light pop, whereas at home it can be anything from soul to rock 'n roll and current chart material," she said.

"I am busy preparing the tribute to Shania Twain, which will be country songs with a band and dancers, and I am also planning a songs from the musicals show later in the year."

Anna joined her first band at 17, but has stayed away from talent competitions, such as The X Factor, which brought fame to Middlesbrough duo Journey South.

"Those types of shows are not really my cup of tea. The only real success has been Will Young," she said.

As well as the £2,500 investment, the Prince's Trust also put Anna in touch with her business mentor, Adam Kuznesof, who works for Gateshead IT company Trancendit.

According to Anna, the two businesses have much in common - both call for planning, marketing, book-keeping and goal setting.

She said: "I have been meeting Adam once a month and he has been terrific in keeping me focused and on course."

Anna also completed a beginners course in web design and set up her Internet site, which is up-dated regularly with gig information. For details, visit www.annareay.co.uk