A schoolgirl will get tips from Aberdeenshire pop princess Emeli Sande after winning the north-east’s biggest youth singing contest.
Anna Barton will spend a day in London with the pop star after wowing the 300-strong crowd in the finals of the Nex Factor competition.
The Banchory Academy pupil beat 11 other acts to win the most votes – landing her £1,000, a session at a recording studio, a personal art portrait and a day with Emeli.
Anna has been singing at Aberdeen’s Junction Church for several years and is a regular worship leader, so is used to performing in front of audiences.
She used that experience to impress the crowd at the packed Thainstone Exchange in Inverurie with her rendition of Motown soul hit Who’s Loving You and James Brown’s This is a Man’s World.
The 16-year-old said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to win this year’s Nex Factor. The other finalists were all so talented and I faced some really tough competition for the title.
“Music will always be one of the most important things in my life and I would love to make my living as a singer-songwriter.”
Now the schoolgirl is looking forward to getting advice from award-winning Emeli, who threw her weight behind the competition.
The 28-year-old told them ahead of the final: “I remember falling in love with performing on the stages of Aberdeen, enjoy every minute.”
The Nex Factor competition gives budding singers aged 13-19 from across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray the chance to shine.
More than 100 youngsters applied and through a series of auditions were whittled down to 12 acts.
Each act was asked to donate £5 to enter, with money this year being donated to north-east charity Cash for Kids. In total, £6,600 was raised.
Competition organiser Yasmeen Ali praised the contestants’ efforts, and said: “It’s incredible how many talented teenagers we have in north-east Scotland and the finalists put their all into their performances, making it a fantastic night. Anna provided two exceptional performances and I’m sure she will have a very successful career in the music industry.
“The Nex Factor is a community event that benefits those in need and encourages charitable giving in children. It’s for the kids, by the kids. Thanks to everyone’s generosity we have been able to raise a large amount to allow Cash for Kids to continue its great work.”