A BUDDING Chorley singer had her first brush with fame after scooping victory in the Adlington Carnival Pop Idol competition.

Amanda Makinson, 14, was the youngest entrant and beat off competition from seven other contenders with her rendition of Melba Moore's 1970s hit This Is It.

The Holy Cross High School pupil, who won £100 cash, a stage microphone and a trophy was given some words of advice from Coronation Street star Jimi Harkinson.

Amanda, who wants to be a singer when she is older said Jimi, who plays Casanova character Dev Alahan in the ITV soap, offered her some sound advice.

"He was a great to talk to and told me to go for what I wanted, but to get a good education first," she said.

Amanda, of Windsor Avenue, has been singing and acting since she was a youngster and takes dancing lessons at JM School of Dance. She has also been involved in various productions at Chorley Little Theatre.

Her mother Susan, who runs a corner shop with husband Graham -- just like Dev in Coronation Street -- said she was very proud of Amanda.

"She was brilliant and really shone against the other competitors who were all older than her.

"Jimi was lovely and happy to talk to us. He also has five children in real life just like me so we have quite a bit in common!"

Amanda hopes to go to college to study performing arts and then on to stage school.

But for now she is keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

She said: "I'd like to say thanks to my mum and dad.

"They have paid out for all my lessons over the years and have been a real support."