A WOMAN who has suffered from agrophobia since a street attack has had her confidence boosted after winning her way through to the regional final of a talent contest.

Elaine Layton, 27, of Chester-le-Street, takes part in the North-East final of Open Mic UK at the Journal Tyne Theatre on Sunday.

Ms Layton said: “I suffered an attack in Gateshead last year which affected me very badly.”

She was attacked with a bottle when she remonstrated with a man for urinating in the street.

“When a friend intervened, the attacker went to get a samurai sword and slashed him.”

Ms Layton said: “Since then, I have suffered from agrophobia and panic attacks, but getting through to the semifinals has boosted my confidence.

“My fiance took me to the audition, but I had to go into the room with the judges by myself, which was a big deal for me.”

If she wins the regional final, Ms Layton will go on to challenge for the £25,000 national prize.