A talented singer-songwriter is through to the finals of a national competition.

James Burrage, 18, of Brook Street, Colne Engaine, heard last Sunday that he had made it through both the Regional and Area final heats of the Open Mic UK Grand Final taking place in January at the NEC in Birmingham.

The former Ramsey Academy pupil who is now studying music at the Colchester Institute said: “I’m buzzing.

“I didn’t expect to get through at all."