THE front room of a family home near Spennymoor was today (Tuesday, October 29) the unlikely venue for a concert by an international pop star.

Australian singer Gabriella Cilmi travelled to Durham Street in Middlestone Moor to perform for five-year-old Charlie Hodgson, after his granddad won a competition in The Northern Echo.

Ms Cilmi, who burst on the pop scene in 2008 with hits such as Sweet About Me, sang her most famous songs for Charlie, as well as tracks from her new album, The Sting.

The youngster's granddad, Paul Hodgson, said he only entered the competition, which offered a front room concert by the 22-year-old singer, because he was bored.

"I never thought for a moment that I'd win," he said.

"I was charged 60p for the text and at the time I thought if I'd known that I wouldn't have entered, but I'm glad I did now.

"I got the shock of my life when Gabriella's management got in touch about coming up to Spennymoor to perform.

"It's unbelievable. It's been a madhouse since I told Charlie and his parents. You have to give Gabriella ten out of ten for doing this."

Charlie said he was thrilled that the singer came to his house for the hour-long concert.

He said: "I was excited to meet her although I was a bit nervous. I enjoyed her singing."

Ms Cilmi was joined by guitarist Adam Coney as 13 fans crowded into Charlie's front room.

"It was really nice to play for Charlie and to see the audience's faces," she said.

"Sometimes it's more nervous to play in a smaller setting but they were nice and I got to know them a little bit."

Karen Hodgson, Charlie's mother, said: "I'm thrilled she came to perform.

"This is something which we won't forget for a long time. When we see Gabriella on television we will able to say that she has sung in our front room."

Ms Cilmi's new album The Sting is released on November 11.