STUDENT Jemma Johnson is setting her sights on a recording contract after securing a place in the area finals of one of the UK's top talent contests.

Jemma, pictured right, is now just one step away from the national final of Live and Unsigned.

The 16-year-old, of Coniston Drive, Cheadle, is hoping to hit the big time after landing the biggest gig of her life.

Jemma, who is a music technology student at Stafford College, became an acoustic pop singer and songwriter after being given a guitar at the age of 13.

She will now take part in the next round in the hope of progressing to the national finals at the O2 Arena in London in July.

After initially auditioning against thousands of other acts across the UK and impressing the judging panel with her originality, Jemma went on to perform live on stage at the regional final in Manchester.

She is now set to perform at the North West England final on Sunday, May 9, at the same venue.

Some of the biggest names in the industry will be judging the competition, including record producer Steve Lyon, who will be casting his eye over the talent. Jemma said: "I really want to pursue singing as a career. I am hoping it 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 Jemma had dazzled the crowd and the judging panel with her winning performance.

Judges told her that she had potential, a lovely voice and good control.

She said: "Jemma was competing against 19 acts in the regional finals and eight got through.

"I am very proud of her and I thought she sounded really good against the others.

"It was the biggest audience she had ever played to, but she was not at all nervous."

Also hoping for a place in the national finals is accountant Dave Norcup.

The 19-year-old, of Rosewood Avenue, Stockton Brook, first has to get through to the regional finals in Leamington Spa on April 4.

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.