A SELF-EMPLOYED car salesman is hoping to become the next Ed Sheeran after reaching the finals of a major unsigned music competition.

Charlie Sanderson, 28, beat thousands of other acts to be named in the top ten of the UK's best unsigned male singers.

He has already released a single and two albums on the internet.

Charlie, from Kirby Cross, worked with Clacton producer Zapz on latest LP The Next Chapter, which is out now and available on iTunes.

The awards are organised by Best of British Unsigned, which supplies a weekly radio show to 70 FM stations in 15 countries.

Charlie said: "I've been having my music played on the show for the last year. At the end of the year they nominate ten acts in each category and put them forward for the awards.

"I've been picked from more than 500 in the best male category so I'm very happy at the moment.

"I've been doing it for about a year and half. I started making music in a friend's garage and am now getting quite a bit of air time."

He has also worked with producer Paul Hepworth at Walton's Wave Break Studio.

"Ed Sheeran is a big hero of mine along with The Weeknd***COR***," said Charlie.

"They are probably the strongest influences and my music is like a mixture of R&B and soul with a little bit of indie in there as well."

The unsigned winners will be decided by a public vote so Charlie is urging fans to support him.

"I need everyone to vote for me to be in with a chance of winning," he said.

"Music is predominantly a hobby for me now but I would love to make it my living.

"I'm a car salesman so they are worlds apart."

Previous winners have included Molly Smitten-Downes, who went on to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Charlie added: "To be nominated amongst such great talent is an honour. It is great to get recognition for something in which you are putting so much effort and time."

Voting takes place from October 16-22 at vocalzone.com/vote.