Suzie bidding for X Factor glory

Former Shropshire woman Suzie Furlonger will be bidding for a place in the last 12 of the X Factor tonight.

The 27-year-old has made it through to the final 24 in the hit television talent show.

Viewers will find out if the former Oswestry athlete makes it to the final 12 to take part in future live shows.

She and the other five over-25s were last week teamed up with judge, Dannii Minogue. They flew to St Tropez to be put through their paces before the finalists were chosen.

One of those watching tonight will be her former athletics coach, Arnie Wray.

Although she left the Oswestry Olympians when she went to university eight years ago, Suzie still remains the club's most successful junior athlete.

"She was a talented high jumper, long jumper and won the National Championships triple jump gold medal in 1999," Mr Wray said.

"It was our most successful championships and one I shall always remember. Sue was extremely dedicated in everything she did and I am not at all surprised that she had come this far in the competition.

"I know that a lot of olympians and many young people who knew her from school and college in Oswestry will be watching tonight and wishing her every success.

"Sadly Sue, like many other young people, did not pursue her athletic career when she went to university. I believe she would have had a career as an athlete, she was so good."