County songstress's plea for text votes
A teenage Shropshire songstress is appealing for the county's support as a text vote opens which could see her crowned queen in a national talent competition.
Jessica Beckett, 14, from Telford, will sing for the Midlands at next month's Open Mic UK awards national finals, to be judged by Dane Bowers and Liz McLarnon.
A text vote opened today and mum Karen Beckett urged people to vote in their droves.
Mrs Beckett, of The Dell, Rodington, near Telford, said: "The text vote is open now and every vote that Jessica gets could count.
"Winning this competition could be her big break and could really propel her onto a bigger stage, with a record deal and a tour with the organisers on offer.
"Please, please, please text your vote through and support Jessica - it would be great if someone from Shropshire won the top prize."
More than 8,000 hopefuls originally entered and have now been whittled down to the final 20 finalists from across the UK. Jessica was one of two winners of the regional Midlands heat held in Sutton Coldfield earlier this year, where a coachload of family and friends made the trip to cheer her on.
Entrants were judged on star quality, vocal technique and appearance.
Mrs Beckett added: "Myself and her dad Bill are so incredibly proud of her - we genuinely believe she has a special talent."
To vote for Jessica text OPEN 75 to 86222.
