THE first champion of Stoke's Top Talent Dan Hewitt is gearing up to appear in the semi-finals of a major national singing competition.

The 22-year-old former debt collector, from Fenton, is in the final 20 for the North West region and is one step away from a place in the national final.

He must now perform for a live audience and a panel of judges at the Liner Hotel, Liverpool, on Sunday, to take one of two places in the national final.

The overall winner will land £25,000 worth of investment to record an album and the chance to record a debut single with the help of R&B star Alicia Dixon.

Dan said: "It's going to be hard work, but I'm really looking forward to it. I'm going to sing my heart out. And I should have 40 or 50 people coming along to support me."

More than 10,000 people auditioned for Open Mic UK at venues across the country.

Tickets for the regional final are available on the door.