A SINGER is calling on the people of the district to help him win a record deal. Tom Pearce, 18, has fought off stiff competition from thousands of other entrants to secure one of about 20 places in the finals of Open Mic UK, which will take place at the

A SINGER is calling on the people of the district to help him win a record deal.

Tom Pearce, 18, has fought off stiff competition from thousands of other entrants to secure one of about 20 places in the finals of Open Mic UK, which will take place at the end of November at the Portsmouth Guildhall.

Tom, who lives on a farm in Tower Hill Lane, Sandridge, only discovered his talent last year during a night out at a karaoke bar with his friends.

They encouraged him to enter the X Factor and five months ago he narrowly missed out on a chance to perform in front of the celebrity judges after making it through to the last 10 per cent of auditionees in the huge talent contest.

Tom was told that he needed a bit more experience and went on to record a few tracks and perform a number of gigs before blowing away the judges with his take on Mad World by Tears for Fears at the regional finals of Open Mic UK.

To vote for Tom to win the competition, text Open 47 to 86222 (�1 charge) and tickets can be bought to support him at the event in Portsmouth at www.portsmouthguildhall.co.uk

Visit www.myspace.com/tompearce01 to hear some of Tom's tracks.