A GIFTED youngster has made her way to the finals of a singing and performance competition that showcases local talent.

Faith Louise-Garner, 12, of Kirby Cross has smashed her way through the next round of Factor EsseX, a spin-off of X-Factor, after she impressed judges at bootcamp and bagged herself a spot to perform at the live shows.

The Clacton County High School pupil will take to the stage on Sunday, November 19 at the Arlington Ballrooms in Leigh-on-Sea for the next round of the competition where the theme is Iconic Legends.

Proud mum, Aline Robinson, 31, said: “As a family have always done amateur shows, she took part in her first production at the Westcliff theatre at the age of seven and was Gretl in the Sound of Music.”