A Performing Arts student is hoping to strike a chord with judges after taking part in final auditions for a new girl music band.

Jess Icke, went head-to-head with 15 young hopefuls, who are all bidding to become one of the five new group members, at the London auditions in September.

The band is being created by the Jayne Collins Casting Agency in conjunction with Polydor Records and Jess has so far managed to fend off tough competition to make it through to the final stages.

The 16-year-old South Cheshire College student sang three different numbers in front of judges and is hoping she did enough to impress.

But even if Jess isn't successful, she has received a boost with the news that she won't have to go through the audition process again after being signed up by the Jayne Collins Casting Agency.

Next time auditions are staged for a new band, she will jump straight to the front of the queue after doing enough to impress this time around.

Jess said: "I was pleased with the way the audition went. I gave it my best shot and that's all you can do.

"I had to sing in front of judges without any background music which is quite difficult but singing is something I really enjoy."

Jess was accompanied on the audition by her dad Robert Icke, who is a Personal Development tutor at South Cheshire College.

Jess added: "Singing has always been my passion and I've performed at a number of events locally but hopefully, this is my chance to shine on a bigger stage.

"Whatever happens, I'm really pleased to have got this far. If I'm not successful there is still a chance that I can make it in the future because I'm signed up to the casting agency.

"In the meantime, I've had help and support from staff at college and I'm just concentrating on my studies here."