WHEN Sandra Blakelidge went into Accrington town centre last week, little did she know she was taking her first steps on the road to stardom.

The 13-year-old, who lives on Clayton Street, Great Harwood, took part in a karaoke contest at Accrington town centre, and won, even though it was her first time on the stage.

Winning the first round gave Sandra the chance to perform in front of a huge audience at the weekend final in Morecambe ... not to mention the TV cameras who were recording the event for cable channel Challenge TV.

Sandra, who gave breath-taking renditions of classics such as the Shoop Shoop Song, Addicted to Love and Dizzy, won over judges at the event and is set to appear as a star on TV next month, after she won one of the five shows recorded on Sunday evening. Sandra said: "I was quite nervous both times, and it didn't help when the generator broke down when I was performing in Accrington.

"I like singing, but normally I sing to songs by Celine Dion and Whitney Houston.

"It was really good fun and my friends were really pleased to hear I had done so well."

Sandra's mum, Carol Blakelidge, wasn't surprised that her rookie songstress daughter won.

She said: "Sandra is always singing at home and, in my opinion, is really good."

A spokesman for Challenge TV said: "Competition was fierce and all the winners produced outstanding performances on the night.

"There were definitely some stars for the future amongst the entrants."

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