A TALENTED young singer who honed her talent in Inverclyde has reached the final of a major UK-wide singing contest.

Megan Taylor made it through to the North West England and Scotland Finals of Open Mic UK in Manchester – a contest to find the country’s best unsigned acts.

The 16-year-old songstress wowed a 400-strong audience at the Scottish area finals at Glasgow Caledonian University last weekend to secure her place at the final in the 16-20 age category.

She told the Tele: “I entered this competition for some experience as I had never performed in front of anyone before.

“I was so nervous when I was singing. I could see my dad in the audience crying so it was an emotional experience.

“Then when I found out I got through to the final I cried as I was so shocked.” Megan, a former pupil at Highlanders Academy Primary and Jackson Dance Academy in Greenock, impressed with her rendition of ‘Little Talks’, a song by indie pop band Of Monsters and Men.

She is now looking forward to lining up at The Royal Northern College of Music Concert Hall in Manchester next month.

The young star said: “It would be amazing to win the final.

“Singing is something I’ve done for years in my bedroom but it would be great to be successful in my hobby.

“I’m now thinking about maybe applying for The X Factor.” Megan says her family, including her mum Norah, dad Alan and big sisters Karlene and Ashley, are all so proud of her.

She was also keen to mention her grandparents Isabel Taylor, and John and Shirley McGonigal, who live in Greenock and Skelmorlie respectively.

She said: “I used to live in Old Inverkip Road and although I now live in Carluke, I’m through in Greenock all the time to visit my grandparents and my friends.”