A Worcester Cathedral choirboy has less than five days to beat tonsillitis if he is to take part in the finals of a prestigious competition.

Alexander Thompson, aged 13, of Longdon, near Upton-upon-Severn, is head chorister of the Worcester Cathedral Voluntary Choir and has sung his way to the finals of the Young Chorister of the Year competition.

But now, tonsillitis could stand in the youngster's way of taking part in the National Finals in London on Saturday.

Alexander's proud dad Phil, 45, mum Wendy, 47, and two sisters Isabella, eight, and Sophie, seven, are all rooting for the teenager to get well in time.

Mr Thompson said: "He has had throat infections in the past, because he uses his voice

a lot he tends to be susceptible to them.

"The timing at the moment is unfortunate but he is resting his voice so, hopefully, he will be OK for the weekend."

Alexander is believed to be the first choirboy from Worcester Cathedral to reach this stage in the competition.

Mr Thompson added: "It's hard to be confident that he will win, but just getting through this far is an amazing achievement."

If Alexander beats tonsilitis, he will be batting it out against three other choirboys in the competition to be recorded by the BBC for broadcast on Sunday, October 26.