FORMER Okehampton College student Amy Paddon could be on the path to stardom after winning her category at a recent music business talent-spotting contest in London. The teenager from North Tawton will return to the capital in March, having won the right to make the bill of the competition's grand finale showcase concert. Amy said it had been 'really good' to get the chance to perform in front of an audience of around 1,000 at the UK Unsigned Finals last month. Amy said she was surprised to be announced as the winner of the 'teens' category on the night. 'I was chuffed,' she said. 'You should have seen my face. 'We had to perform and did not get told about the result until about two hours later. 'So it was a complete surprise when they announced I had won.' She is now looking forward to a ten-minute slot, singing to record company executives and industry big-wigs at the Hackney Empire next year. Amy, 17, was presented with her prize by a representative from Sony Records, and many more record labels will be at the showcase, where there is a chance for singers who impress to secure a record deal. The category winners also get the chance to take part in a seven date tour around the UK early next year, to which Amy said she was looking forward. Special phone lines were opened to conduct a text vote in conjunction with the competition on the night and Amy wanted to thank those Okehampton Times readers who had texted in their votes. She said: 'I want to say thank you to everyone for voting for me. Their support is really appreciated.'