A DETERMINED schoolgirl who battled back from a bout of flu was among singers recognised at the Inverclyde Music Festival.

Christie Mooney, a first year pupil at Notre Dame High, was recently floored with illness and feared she would miss out on competing at the event.

But the talented youngster recovered just in time and achieved 'Second in Class' in the Vocal Solo contest for girls aged 12 and under.

Her mum Angie said: "I'm so happy for her.

"She's been really poorly.

"Last week she said she wasn't sure if she was going to be able to do it but she managed it.

"She pulled her socks up and got out there and did what she could.

"I'm really proud of her for doing it."

Christie, who has been singing since the age of two, says she loves to perform on stage.

She said: "I love singing.

"It's a great way of expressing your feelings."

Equally as thrilled was Stella McCardie, from St Columba's School in Kilmacolm, who clinched top prize in the same category for her beautiful rendition of the 'Butterfly'.

She said: "It feels nice to be awarded First in Class."

Stella says Broadway inspires her to sing.

She added: "There are some really amazing singers in Broadway especially in 'Hamilton'."

The festival concludes on Saturday with the big finale concert.