TALENTED singers including a Thurrock teenager have made it through to the national finals of a singing contest.

Johnny Darling, 13, who attends Gable Hall School, joined fellow band members of Beaux Beatz, Tyrese Ryan, Macey Broom, Char Borthwick and Charlie Dillon as they saw off 32,000 rival acts to reach the finals of Teen Star - a nationwide search to find the best teenage singing act.

The five will now be preparing to do battle at the final in St Albans on July 29, which is due to be featured on Sky TV.

Speaking after the group’s triumph in the regional heats, the teenager recalled the nervous moments on stage waiting for their names to be called out.

He said: “We were one of the last ones to be called out by the judges, so it was a nervous wait and we didn’t think we would make it. But when they called us, it was unbelievable.”

The Corringham teenager, who only joined the group in February, paid tribute to his band members who he says have made him feel “incredibly welcome” as they prepare to perform other shows this summer.

His mum Kerri Darling says she was hugely proud of the youngsters.

She said: “They are so talented and they are the kind of group everyone would like to follow.

“They perform really good pop music and have a real chance of winning.”

The overall winner of Teenstar will win the production of their own album in one of the UK’s finest recording studios, River Studios, working with a top producer on their own songs, a fully-produced music video of the single of their choice, a comprehensive consultation and development package which includes image and brand advice, a social media revamp, and access to industry contacts.

To follow the band’s progress, or for more information on Teen Stars, visit facebook.com/BeauxBeatz1