A TALENTED Taunton musician has the chance to realise a dream after progressing in a national competition.

Leila Fay Addyman, 16, of Holway Avenue, made it through to the regional finals of the Open Mic UK contest after dazzling the judges with her own enchanting keyboard composition at the first round in Bristol.

The Sidcot School student moved to Taunton from Japan last year and has been playing the piano since the age of four.

Leila, who is competing for a place in the national finals at the O2 Arena in London, said: “I am really excited about progressing to the next round.

“I wasn't nervous during the first performance as I have performed in front of audiences before, but it was the first time I performed in front of judges.”

The Open Mic UK competition gives auditionees the opportunity to perform live in front of industry judges and an audience, and boasts a recording contract for the overall winner.

Leila said her friends and family have been supportive of her aspirations, and hopes to attend university to study music in the future.

She added: “I performed my routine at a family gathering before my audition and they said I would get through.

“In the next ten years I will hopefully be making progress towards being a musicial - I haven't considered any other option.”

CHECK out Leila's YouTube page by clicking the related link below.