A TEENAGER is hoping his musical talent will take him all the way through to the finals of a national competition.

Guitarist and singer, Ewan Pollock, has made it through to the area finals of the Open Mic UK competition, which attracts thousands of singers from all around the country.

He flew through the first stage which took place in July, and after wowing crowds in the recent regional finals in Birmingham, he secured himself a spot in the area finals, which take place on November 22.

Ewan, who lives in Warndon Villages and studies music technology at the Heart of Worcestershire College, said he "loved" performing in front of so many people.

The 16-year-old said: "I really thought I was going to be nervous but I wasn't. I wasn't very confident before and I didn't really believe in myself. I just didn't know how people would react to my music, but once I saw the reaction was good it really gave me a boost."

Ewan said his love of music started at a young age.

"I first started learning to play guitar when I was 11, and after that I started singing," he said.

"I normally play acoustic and I'm really influenced by artists like Paolo Nutini and Jason Mraz. I do write my own songs but for the competition I performed covers. In the area finals I'm going to perform Blame it on Me by George Ezra."

The Open Mic Uk competition isn't Ewan's first taste of success.

"I previously got through to the finals of the Pop Icons competition at the Artrix in Bromsgrove. I also performed during the Worcester Music Festival this year but this competition will be the biggest I've taken part in. I just love performing, and of course the dream is to be able to have a career out of recording my own music," he said.

"I am pleased with how I've done but my family and friends are really proud and support me all the way."

If Ewan wins the competition, he will be given feedback on his performance and given tips on how to develop, as well as winning thousands of pounds worth of prizes in cash and studio time.