A NORTH-EAST singer has made it through to the national final of a talent competition.

Nicola Brown, of Wrekenton, near Gateshead, has reached the final of Rock Idol, run at 57 Chicago Rock Cafes nationally.

She made it through the local heats in Chester-le-Street before she qualified from the Northern final in Mansfield.

She will compete against 13 singers at the final, on June 14 at the Chicago Rock Cafe, in Redditch, Worcestershire.

The 22-year-old wowed judges with her rendition of Celine Dion's Think Twice in the regional event.

Mark Warrilow, manager of the Chester-le-Street Chicago Rock Cafe, said: "Nicola has been fantastic throughout the competition and we are all really pleased that she has made it through.

"If she can perform to the best of her ability in the national final, then I think we could be celebrating a win for the North-East."

About 5,000 people have entered the competition nationwide for Chicago Rock Cafe's second annual talent search.

The winner will receive a day in a recording studio, £2,000 and a tour of Chicago Rock Cafes around the country.