A TENOR from Bere Alston wowed the crowd and judging panel to get through to the area finals of a national competition searching for the UK's best music acts.

Tyrone Piper performed in front of a live audience and professional judging panel along with thousands of other acts at the Open Mic UK regional live shows at Plymouth Guildhall. He impressed the judges and is now just one step away from performing at the national grand final at the 02 arena in London, if he manages to make it through the next stage — the area final in Portsmouth at the end of this month.

Tyrone said: 'I was one of five people successful enough to get through the regional finals and on to the area finals. Two people from the area finals will be selected to go through to the grand final.

'I've been doing auditions and things for a while now and until I'm in the very final I'll be quite reserved. It's all very exciting though— I'm optimistic and I'll do my best but it depends what the judges are looking for on the day.'

Open Mic UK is a national talent competition which searches for the UK's best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists.

The overall winner will be offered a recording contract with up to £30,000 investment.