A WESTHOUGHTON singer has won a national talent competition and will now perform in a West End theatre.

Rebecca Govan only took up singing two years ago but stormed to victory in the Les Perry Roadshow in London at the weekend.

The 22-year-old, who works for an engineering company, had already won the Liverpool heat of the contest which was held at the famous Cavern Club but never dreamed she would scoop the big prize.

She fought off tough competition from 11 other hopefuls in the final with her performances of My Heart Will Go On and The Power of Love.

Judges at the final included record producers, former Grange Hill actor Lee Macdonald and Richard Headingley from 70s band Chicory Tip.

She has been offered an independent recording deal with the Les Perry Roadshow and Roadshow Music label which will include singles, albums and live appearances all over the country.

Rebecca will also have the chance to perform at a top West End theatre in January for a weekend's showcase of entertainment.

Showbiz agent Allen David, who hosted and compered the London final, said: "Bolton should be proud of her."

"She is good enough for a recording deal with one of the majors but for the timebeing she will be staying on one of the country's leading independent labels."

Rebecca said: "I was very surprised to win because there were people in the final who had been singing for years from all over the country, but luckily I didn't get nervous."