IT has been revealed that the British singer Ella Henderson will come to the region to headline an annual festival in South Shields.

The singer, who is behind chart-topping hits including Ghost, Glow and Yours will play this year's South Tyneside Festival on July 12.

The former X-Factor contestant had huge success with her first single, Ghost and her debut album Chapter One, which reached the number one spot in the charts.

Last year the festival, which is organised by South Tyneside Council, featured Gabrielle well known for chart-topper, Rise.

This morning Ella said: “I’m so excited to be heading to the North-East later this year and I’m really looking forward to opening the Bents Park shows.

“It’s always fun to play outdoors in the summer and it’s sure to be a fantastic afternoon in the park.”

As per tradition, the festival will take place in South Shields' Bents Park.

Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick said Ella will put on a 'great' performance.

He said: "Ella Henderson is an amazing artist and I think she’s a fantastic choice to headline the first of the concert series.

“Her music is popular with people of all ages so I expect she’ll draw a huge crowd from across the region and beyond.

"The Sunday concerts are always a hugely anticipated part of the South Tyneside Festival and we are looking forward to sharing our plans for the rest of the summer in the coming weeks.”

The concert is free but a limited number of Priority Plus tickets are available for £6, guaranteeing earlier entry to the event and access to a dedicated bar.

Those with a ticket will still have guaranteed entry if they arrive later and children under five can enter for free with a Priority Plus ticket holder.

Tickets for the first show are available to buy now from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/southtynesidefestival or by calling 0333-3219999.