A Monmouth schoolgirl is through to the regional finals of Open Mic UK 2011.

After a successful first audition with an original piece, Ella Phillips of Wonastow will now battle it out against 70 other hopefuls to win a sought-after place at the national finals in London's O2.

If she impresses the judges, the 15-year-old will be in the running to bag a recording contract worth £50,000.

Ella has always been surrounded by music. Playing the fiddle from the age of six with her grandparents' folk band, Ella went on to teach herself to play guitar and piano.

"I went to a Welsh language primary school and they always encouraged music," said Ella.

"I started singing from a very young age and my mum said I used to sing instead of cry when I was a baby.

"I have a very strong folk influence, but I like to do my own thing and practise as much as possible."

For the full story, see this week's Monmouthshire Beacon