A SCHOOLGIRL from Bolton has set her sights on Hollywood after wowing judges at the Talented Youngster of the Year contest in Manchester.

Monique Jacobs, aged 11, performed last Saturday in front of 450 people at The Palace Hotel and was crowned the winner of the competition after singing I Was Born to Entertain' from the musical Gypsy.

She now wants to follow her dreams and perform in professional shows.

Monique said: "I didn't think I was going to do it. I had to sing and dance, and I was out of breath in the rehearsal, but I managed it in the end."

Monique admitted that she did not expect to win. She said: "I was really surprised. Everybody was crying."

Monique, of The Haulgh, says her favourite singer is Beyonce and she would like to go to a performing arts college before she hopefully hits the big time.

She said: "I would like to thank my singing teacher Tracie who told my mum about the audition, I wouldn't have won without her, and my dance teacher, Dawn, who helped me with the dance and, of course, my mum for being there for me."

Contestants took to the stage in front of a celebrity panel including Coronation Street's Richard Fleeshman and Emmerdale's Roxanne Pallett.

Monique won £1,000, a studio recording session and the chance to take part in a photoshoot.

Monique's mother, Louise, aged 34 said: "It is absolutely amazing. When she won we were ecstatic and amazed."

Dancing teacher, Louise who is also mother to Tiger, aged one, Pascha, aged six, and Remi, aged 15 said: "I would like her to take it as far as she can, her schooling is very important but this is where her heart is."