TWO teenage musicians are reaching for the stars after securing a place in the regional finals of one of the UK's top talent contests.

Student Jemma Johnson and accountant Dave Norcup wowed judging panels and sailed through the audition stage of Live and Unsigned against hundreds of other hopefuls.

They will now take part in a live head-to-head in front of judges and hundreds of spectators in the hope of progressing to the national finals at the O2 in London.

Both are hoping they could be about to hit the big time after landing the biggest gigs of their lives.

Jemma, aged 16, of Coniston Drive, Cheadle, became an acoustic pop singer and songwriter after being given a guitar at the age of 13.

The Stafford College music technology student said: "The guitar ignited a real interest in music. I just began to teach myself the basics and moved on to playing a few cover versions.

"In the second year of high school, I chose music as one of my GCSEs, but struggled with the theory side.

"I then decided to draw on my own experiences, including my parents' divorce and my own relationship break-ups, to help with my song writing and composing and it has paid off.

"I have attended a lot of open mic sessions around the area and my confidence has grown and now I really want to pursue singing as a career.

"I am hoping getting through to the regional finals will be the start of a great musical future."

Jemma's mother Lisa, aged 41, who works at JCB's World Headquarters in Rocester, said: "I am proud of Jemma. She has worked hard and to win a place in the final is fantastic."

Jemma will be taking part in the regional finals in Manchester on March 7, while Dave will be performing in Leamington Spa on April 4.

Dave, of Rosewood Avenue, Stockton Brook, is a singer and guitar player.

The 19-year-old said: "I entered the competition not knowing what to expect.

"It would be great to make the national finals and would be a chance to get my name about.

"My dream would be to make a living out of music."

Mum Michele Norcup said: "Dave has been playing guitar every day since he was 14, when we bought him his first guitar for Christmas.

"He is also a talented singer and has written a few of his own songs. He has done several gigs at different venues and is always invited back."

Live and Unsigned is the biggest original music competition in the UK for unsigned bands and artists.

It has attracted more than 30,000 entries in the past three years and is now established as the definitive music competition for original acts.

The overall winner is offered a recording and management contract with Future Music, with an investment of up to £30,000 to release a single.