SINGING sensation Laura White wowed her Bolton fans when she returned for a performance yesterday.

The 21-year-old X Factor star entertained hundreds of screaming followers at this year’s Bolton Mela event in Haslam Park.

She performed covers such as Adele’s Chasing Pavements and Stevie Wonder’s Sign, Sealed Delivered, and was among a host of music and dance acts which took to the stage at the park in Wigan Road, Deane.

It was the first time that Laura, from Atherton, has performed in her home town since last November – and she was excited to be back.

Laura said: “It’s so amazing to be here, I haven’t been home for so long and I am loving being back in Bolton today and meeting all my fans.” Laura shot to fame when she became one of the favourites to win ITV’s hit talent show, The X Factor, last year, but was controversially knocked out of the competition in the final stages.

Now, Bolton fans are being asked to choose Laura’s first single as she gets ready to release her debut album.

From today, fans will be able to vote via the website for their favourite track and the winning song will become the next single, which is due to be released in October.

“I am so excited about the single. I will be putting four songs on the website which I have written with my new team and it is going to be amazing,” added Laura.

Now in its 10th year, Bolton Mela is an annual cultural festival organised by the Bolton Mela Group and Bolton Council.

Among the crowd was Laura White fan, 12-year-old Meera Sanara, from Astley Bridge.

She said: “Today has been a great day and meeting Laura has made my day. She is my inspiration.”

Performing alongside Laura from 11am to 7.30pm, were R&B star Raghav, Sahara, Revive, The Entertainer, Khiza and DJs 2 Damn Desi, as well as the winner of Bolton Mela’s talent show, 18-year-old Rachel Lee, from Breightmet.

You can listen to Laura’s songs and vote for your favourite at www.laurawhiteofficial.com.

sarah.poole@thebolton news.co.uk