AFTER 12 years of hard work and dedication, talented singer-songwriter Laura White is celebrating landing a record deal.

The former Bolton University student, from Atherton, has been signed to Turn First Records which represents acts including Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea and Conor Maynard.

The 27-year-old, who appeared on The X Factor in 2008, has been writing songs since her teens and penned a recent hit for Rita.

Laura, who studied creative writing at Bolton University, said: "I signed the deal three days ago — it's been absolutely amazing.

"I've waited 12 years, from gigging all around Atherton and Bolton.

"I'm going to release my album this year, as well as maybe a couple of EPs — just get my music everywhere, on TV and radio."

She put pen to paper and signed the five year record deal earlier this week and is looking forward to releasing her first album.

She said: "It's quite a soul/ pop album. It's kind of early Aretha Franklin.

"I was independent for so long, putting all my own music out.

"Now I'm signed and have got a big team behind me.

"It's great I can have that push now.

"I had met so many artists who had been picked up and dropped.

"I had never been picked up and now, it's so overwhelming."

She added: "I was nervous but I just felt so grateful, more than anything.

"I have got to keep working and do well and everything.

"As long as I am writing all my own music and music that's real to me, I'm happy."

Since appearing on The X Factor, Laura has carved out a career in the music industry, both writing and performing, and recently penned hit, New York Raining, performed by Rita and rapper Charles Hamilton.

She said: "It went number one on the Billboard chart in America and has its UK release in May."

Since landing the deal, Laura has been inundated with messages of congratulations and support from her loyal fans on Twitter and Facebook.

She said: "I've got such a connection with my fans.

"I want to keep my fans with me.

"I want them to keep in touch and follow my journey."

Follow @Laurawhiteoffic on Twitter and laurawhiteofficial on Facebook for updates.