Rachel Scott, of Royal Oak Gardens, has made it through to the Regional Finals of Idol 2008 after impressing in the first two rounds of the challenge.

And the singing star will be hoping she can impress judges from the music world when she flaunts her vocal talents at Newcastle's The Journal Tyne Theatre in the regional stage on Sunday.

The ultimate Idol 2008 winner, determined at November's National Final by a star-studded panel of judges, will win a recording contract and have a single released.

And Rachel, who is just one step away from a place in the grand final, held in Portsmouth, said: "I didn't think I would get to this stage. I'm delighted and quite excited. But I am a bit nervous. It is going to be nerve-wracking."

The 22-year-old, who works in Blackmore's of Alnwick and is studying music and performing arts at Newcastle College, will be supported by family and friends when she takes to the stage on Sunday.