THE musical fairytale continues for former Flixton resident Effi-Nicki Stylianou.

She has just reached the area finals of the Open Mic UK competition are wowing the judges with her version of the Queen Latifah song, I Know Where I've Been at the regional event.

Effi-Nicki, 13, said the number was performed in the musical Hairspray and she added: "The song is one of my favourites. It allows me to bring out the emotions of the character. It also fits my vocal range - with some great high and low points."

She said she feels 'excited' and 'proud' to reach this stage of the musical talent contest.

"I wasn’t sure what to expect at the live shows, but knew I had to perform to the best of my ability to give myself the best chance of getting through.

"I met lots of people at the auditions, that had great singing voices but didn’t get through to the live shows, so I naturally knew this was a great opportunity for me.”

Effi-Nicki attends Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and said her school friends are 'very supportive' of her singing.

The next step for the talented teenager is the North West and Scotland Area Final at the Royal Northern College of Music.

She said: "Audiences will also be able to vote for their favourite act, helping them progress to the next round. It would be great to get people to come along to support me on the day. Hearing the audience on the day is great and really helps me perform, knowing people have come to see me."

If she wins the Grand Final Effi-Nicki really will have something to sing about - walking away with a £5,000 cash prize to develop her musical career.

* The North West and Scotland Area Final takes place at Royal Northern College of Music, Oxford Road, Manchester, on November 16. Anyone interested in booking tickets should visit openmic.co.uk