A YOUNGSTER has taken her first step towards becoming a singer after winning a place at a summer school.

Stephanie Hill, 16, beat off strong competition from talented youngsters nationwide to secure a place on the Royal Academy of Music course.

She will spend a week at the London academy in August, where she will learn performance techniques and how to sing with confidence.

Stephanie, a pupil at Easington Community School, won her place after impressing college teachers with an article about herself.

She said she was delighted to hear of her success.

"I was competing against people from all over the country, and I was told not to build my hopes up," she said.

"I was really pleased when I heard I had been accepted.

"It will help me when I go to the sixth form, as I am going to do A-level music.