AN X Factor star’s former teachers are backing her to win the show.

Abi Alton, 19, from Guisborough, studied for her A Levels in the town’s Prior Pursglove College between 2010 and 2012, achieving an A in English language, B in geography and C in photography.

Abi, who sang Bon Jovi's  Livin' ona Prayer on Saturday's show, also studied music at AS Level and is well-remembered at the college which is now staging its own X Factor-style competition for students.

Music teacher Helen Kirk said: “Abi was truly dedicated to her Music whilst studying at Prior Pursglove College. She regularly performed at college concerts and returned last Christmas to play for the Christmas celebrations. Her enthusiasm and ability for writing and performing songs made her stand out from the crowd. When Abi sings she transfixes her audience. I’m really excited for her.”

Abi’s former English teacher Natalie Scott recalled: “Abi was always an excellent English Language student but I didn’t realise how talented a musician she was until I saw her perform at one of the College’s Christmas concerts. She performed a song she’d written herself, singing in a beautiful, plaintive voice that captivated everyone. When I saw her in class the next day I said to her: ‘You’ll go a long way with a voice like that.’ She smiled. She was always very modest but quietly determined. I wish her the best of luck for the X Factor.”

A spokesman for the college said youngsters at Prior Pursglove is currently auditioning in front of ‘look-a-like’ X-Factor judges and there will be lunch time shows. The winner of the singing competition will receive his or her own recording day and £200.