A teenage singing star has made it through to the next round of a national songwriting competition.

Nancy James, 19, of Sweet Briar Walk, in Edmonton, has seen her song, titled Perfection, shortlisted in the top eight entries of the Jack Petchey Foundation’s 15th anniversary anthem challenge.

After progressing through the first stage, the 19-year-old along with other hopefuls will receive mentoring from award-winning composer Thomas Hewitt-Jones, vocal coach Charles Macdougall and lyricist Jennifer Lee.

The acts will then re-record their anthem as they are whittled down to the final four and will then face the final public vote.

Businessman Jack Petchey, 89, who founded the awards, said: “I am always amazed by the talent of our young people from across London and Essex. I have listened to all of the songs and I don’t envy being on the judges panel. I wish all the applicants the best of luck.”