A WORCESTER woman who feared she might never be able to sing again has fought back from a major operation to become the city's pop princess.

Laura Synnuck was crowned the winner of Worcester's Pub Idol competition, held last night at the city's Marr's Bar.

The event, which attracted hundreds of entries, marked the end of a tough year for the 23-year-old.

"I had to have an operation on my left vocal chord to remove a cyst in July and it was touch and go whether I would be able to sing properly again," said Laura, who is a member of the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society.

"I was told I couldn't talk for a while and I had to wait six weeks before I could try out my singing."

Laura, who has appeared in Carousel in Malvern, and West Side Story at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, wowed last night's audience with rendition's of Black Velvet, by Alannah Myles, and Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing.

Her prize was the chance to record a CD at the studio in The Marr's Bar, which will then be played on Classic Hits, which organised the contest.

Before the event, Laura, from Perdiswell, said she was doubtful she would ever turn professional - but now she has been given the confidence to give it a go.

She was joined by nine other finalists at the event which now looks set to become an annual event.

Patricia Francis, aged 26, of Drakes Broughton, near Pershore, came second and third was 46-year-old Alex McFee, of Winter Avenue, St John's.

"The atmosphere would have beaten the bigger music venues any night," said Tim Boswell, of Classic Hits.