A Seaton singer is competing to be the nation's new talent at a contest that discovered the likes of Birdy, Lucy Spraggan and Luke Friend.

Christian Nowak, 20, has made it to the north west finals of Open Mic UK.

After performing in front of a panel of judges at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle, he is due to compete in the next stage of the competition in Manchester on November 29.

Christian, a former pupil at Stainburn School, said: "It's a really good opportunity to get discovered. The judges are all from record labels or talent scouts and the audience is full of celebrities. 

"I'm very proud I've made it this far. I love performing and I got really good feedback from the judges.

"They said I have a very musical theatre tone to my voice, which is great because I'd love to be in the West End."

Christian, who has taken singing lessons since the age of eight and is also a professional dancer, attends the third year at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks College in Blackpool, where he studies dance and performing arts.

Also a black belt in karate, he said: "This year I've got my first job as a professional dancer at Carlisle's Sands Centre in their Christmas panto and it's my first time in a big competition.

"I feel it's the right time for me as I'm in my third year at college and I'm hoping that this opportunity will lead to some TV work or other jobs for me.

"A lot of people who have been on Open Mic UK went on to be on The X Factor or Britain's Got Talent.

"It's a chance for me to show people in the industry what I can do."

Christian said that mum Leona, dad Peter and sister Kim, 25, were all very proud of him.

He added: "They are very supportive and they came to Newcastle with me. 

"They love what I'm doing and they hope I make it in the industry."