Singer songwriter Sam Clines takes the crown at Open Mic UK

Sam Clines, from Crowle, near Worcester, won over the judges at the finals of the national competition at the NEC Birmingham on Sunday.

Previous winners include X Factor's Lucy Spraggan and Luke Friend, Union J’s Jaymi Hensley and the first ever winner Birdy who is releasing her third Warner Music album.

Sam's prize includes recording studio time, a video of the best single as well as extensive media promotion from a professional PR company.

The 19-year-old said he never expected to win after entering on a whim after spotting an advert online.

"It's very exciting and it has all happened so quickly - it's been crazy over the last couple of days.

"I'm getting constant messages and phone calls.

"I was really shocked when I found out how many people entered.

"I didn't know what to expect at the time and didn't know how big the competition was.

"I remember at the first audition stages everyone was really good and I was really blown away so I wasn't expecting to win.

"It's crazy to be honest because the main thing I was doing really was songwriting - I try to write a song daily.

"Before this all happened it was all very low key, I did a couple of gigs and had uploaded songs on to Soundcloud but in terms of fanbase I had nothing really.

"I started gigging at 17 but in comparison to a lot of musicians I've probably not done as many.

"When I was at school people really liked my original music but since the competition more people have listened to my music on Soundcloud and I've had good feedback.

"I've also got a very supportive family which is great."

His mum took him to his first piano lesson at seven and he said he "hasn't stopped playing since" and now relies on a guitar and kick drum for his songs.

This week, he visited London to meet with Syco Records which has put Sam in touch with a management company.

Having just finished at Kings School Worcester, he is taking a gap year before starting at a music school in Brighton to study songwriting.

Chris Grayston, head judge and director of Future Music said: "Sam Clines has been an outstanding act in every round throughout the competition, with his unique style and use of kick drum he was a difficult one to miss.

"Sam has used his indie style of music and skill to impress our judges and keep us interested in his original songs from the regional finals to the grand final. He is a worthy winner of Open Mic UK 2016."

As well as producing an EP with Ben Stancombe, he will also be creating all the artwork and hopes to have it ready by May/June.

Sam added: "I'd definitely like a career in music, I can't imagine doing anything else now.

To hear more of Sam's music, visit soundcloud.com/samclines.