A TEENAGE girl is just one step away from performing at the much-coveted O2 Arena in London.

Ragan Price, 13, from South Ockendon, is into the area final of Open Mic UK - one of the country’s biggest talent shows for unsigned singers.

After impressing a judging panel in the live regional finals at the Palace Theatre on October, 20, she is now set to take centre stage at the Beck Theatre in Hayes, Middlesex where she will be competing for a place in the national grand final at the O2 on January 18.

The singing sensation said: “The Open Mic contest is an overwhelming experience to be a part of. “Ever since a very young age, singing and performing have played a large part in my life, so this competition is very important to me.

“I’m so grateful for being given such an amazing opportunity and to have the chance to perform at the O2 Arena in London. I am determined to give everything I've got to making it in the music industry and fulfil my dream.”

Ragan performs in area final on Sunday. Should she eventually win the competition, she will be rewarded with £5,000 which goes towards developing her career in the music industry.

Pop star Birdy - who is still just 17, but now a BBC Radio One favourite - is among those to have one the competition in previous years.

Thousands of hopefuls enter the contest, which is split into three age categories: under 16, 16 to 20 and 21 and over.