A NINE-year-old girl from Brent Knoll has come second place in a national musical theatre competition.

Gracie Wickens-Sweet performed 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' in the Star of the Stage final in Cardiff over the weekend.

Head judge for the competition was Gracie's idol songstress Connie Fisher, winner of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria.

Gracie's singing coach, Siobhan Johnson, said: "Gracie sang her heart out and even wowed Connie Fisher!

"Her performance recieved the only standing ovation of the night and a roar of cheers from the whole audience.

"She came a very close second place. The judges were all amazed by her incredible voice and maturity for a nine-year-old."

Connie Fisher took time out to speak to Gracie afterwards and said she was completely overwhelmed by her voice, adding Gracie is a very special and extremely talented young singer who will, in her eyes, definitely be a star of the future.

There were 27 competitors in total and every performer was of an extremely high standard. Competitors entered from all around the world from Australia to America.

Ms Johnson added: "We were approached afterwards by the London based talent management agency involved with the show, requesting to sign Gracie up there and then as they were completely blown away by her very special talent.

"As a singing teacher I can say that Gracie is an exceptionally talented young singer with an incredibly big voice who always performs with such professionalism and captivation.

"Myself, her parents, family and friends are all immensely proud of her wonderful achievement."

She also thanked Burnham's Princess Theatre for their kind support.