A nine-year-old blind girl is bringing venues across Essex to a standstill - after being discovered by accident singing karaoke.

Justine Mears, of Pitsea, was taken on a special Christmas treat by her singing teacher to the Haven Crest Country Club, Corringham, and went on the karaoke machine.

Unknown to her, the club's managers were upstairs organising a dinner dance at the time.

In a plotline similar to hit film Little Voice, they heard her, were spellbound and vowed to make her a star. They were so impressed they paid her to be their opening act.

Justine, who was born blind, was such a hit with the audience they asked her to come back the following week for another performance.

Singing teacher Maria Boosey, said: "The applause was so loud it frightened the life out of her.

"They paid her £10 the first night and so I say that's when her professional singing career began.

"I think she's got lots of potential. She tunes in very well and they do say that when one sense is missing the others become stronger. This seems to be so in Justine's case."

Justine's mum Mel, 28, of Stokefelde, Pitsea, decided to send her for singing lessons after she won numerous talent competitions on holidays.

Last year she sang in front of 1,500 people at the Grosvenor Hotel in London at a Christmas party for disabled children - and smiled all the way through.

Mel said: "She's always loved singing and has got quite a powerful little voice. Her favourite numbers are I will Survive and Wind Beneath My Wings.

"She's also learned the song from Titanic, My Heart Will Go On."

Voice of an angel - blind little Justine Mears has audiences spellbound with her wonderful singing

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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