A LANCASTER woman has reached the North West finals of BTs "Kiosk Karaoke" competition - and could now have the opportunity to join other winners to re-record "Karma Chameleon" with Boy George.

Nearly 18000 people across the country entered the competition, which asked members of the public to call a special number from phone boxes and sing a favourite song down the phone.

Michelle Beattie, 36, of Whiteray Road, Lancaster, sang "How do I live without you?" by Leann Rimes and joined fifty other North West hopefuls at the regional final.

Up to ten winners will be picked to record the Culture Club classic with Boy George at London's famous Abbey Road studios in November. Michelle said: "This is like winning the pools - I'm elated and gobsmacked. I was running round the living room when I found out! It's always been my ambition to sing professionally - I've won cups and money for singing in the past."

Michelle, who is the only finalist from Lancaster, said: "I'm quite confident - I'm just going to go in with a positive attitude and an open mind and keep my fingers crossed.

"To sing professionally, and with Boy George, would be a once in a lifetime chance for me."

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