A YOUNG singer from Wickford has made it to the live finals of Essex's largest singing competition, FactorEssex.

Chosen out of 100 contestants auditioning for the competition, Jessica Pearce, 14, Wickford, has now made it through to week four of the competition.

At the auditions in Basildon, Jessica was chosen to be a wild card, where she successfully made it through, along with around 40 others.

Jessica started singing when she was 7 years old, after joining various performing arts clubs at the weekend. However, she gave this up, after struggling with bullying at all three state schools which she attended and was home schooled for a while. Jessica also suffers with Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder, so has had quite a tough time.

Her father, Steve Pearce, 45, Wickford, said: "She's been pretty strong, but it really knocked her confidence. We was pulling our hair out trying to think of options for her, it was a nightmare. Every morning was a battle to get her into school. She was determined to go to a performing arts school, singing is the one thing she loves to do. It's her natural talent and what she feels comfortable doing."

Jessica was recently accepted into the Susi Earnshaw Theatre School, a performing arts school in London, which was much more suited to her, having smaller class sizes and one on one's with the teachers.

Steve said: " She's loved every moment of the competition, mostly the performances and just finally being accepted. Her mentor and vocal coach in the competition have been amazing and she's made some lovely friends who are all like-minded."

Throughout the competition, Jessica has performed Mad World (Gary Jules), Iris (Goo Goo Dolls) and On My Own (Les Miserables). She will be performing Sober by Demi Lovato on November 11th, at The Springhouse in Corringham.

Jessica said: "I’m really excited to be taking part in FactorEssex. It’s such a great competition to be part of and my fellow competitors are incredibly talented. I love singing and entertaining people so really hope to make it through to the final week. Thank you to everyone who has voted for me so far, and please keep voting."

There will be around 35 contestants competing in the final on November 25th, where the contestant who receives the highest score from judges, attendees of the final and the public, will win.

The finalists have recorded a charity single, covering Fight Song by Rachel Platten, which will be released at the final. Money raised from purchase of the single will be donated to the mental health charity, Mind.

Steve said: ""My wife Kate and I are so proud of her. It's a brutal industry, but it's got her smiling again! She's only at the beginning of her career and she's very new to this, so if she won it would be a massive confidence boost. This competition will be a good foundation for her future."

To vote for Jessica, visit www.facebook.com/factoressexhq