A singing sensation has taken a step closer to the finals of a national competition.

Anton Van De Mere, 38, of Victoria Road, Stanford-le-Hope, wowed the crowd and judging panel at the Open Mic UK Regional Showcase, and is now one step away from performing at The O2 in London.

Anton performed in front of a capacity audience and professional judging panel in The Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sunday, October 21 and will next perform at the Area Finals for the chance to progress to the National Grand Final on January 18, 2014 to win £5,000.

Anton said: “I am very pleased to have made it through to the next round. I will be singing another of my original compositions, ‘Anything is Possible’ in the next round.

Previous winners include of Open Mic UK include Birdy whose hit song ‘Skinny Love’ charted in the UK and across Europe.