DIANA Vickers carries the hopes of East Lancashire on her shoulders as she sings live in front of millions of TV viewers on X Factor.

The 17-year-old Westholme School pupil will be out to capture the public’s vote in TV’s top reality show.

But, as she told the Lancashire Telegraph before Saturday's first live show, the shock of being in the final 12 still hasn’t sunk in yet.

WHEN you are preparing to sing your heart out for the chance to hit the big time, having a glamorous pop star offering a 24-hour advice service is a huge advantage.

East Lancashire’s X Factor hopeful Diana Vickers is thrilled to be able to contact her mentor, Girl's Aloud star Cheryl Cole, whenever she needs help — even in the early hours of the morning.

“Cheryl is helping us out so much that there is nothing to worry about,” said Diana, before she went head-to head with the show’s other 11 acts in front of millions of TV viewers on Saturday.

“She’s amazing and so down to earth. She keeps in contact with us.

"Even if it’s 4am and you have a problem she will speak to you.

"She understands what we are going through because she has been through it herself.

“She’s very involved. I think we have the best mentor."

But the 17-year-old — fifth favourite with the bookies to win thye competition — knows it’s down to her to win enough public viotes to keep her in the competition.

“I think this year is the strongest X Factor ever so it will be really hard for us all,” she said.

“Everyone is so passionate about what they are doing, yet we all want each other to do well."

The Westholme pupil who lives in Accrington is slowly coming to grips with her new found fame.

“Every day there is something new,” she said.

“It feels so weird to be walking down the street and have someone point at you because you are 'that girl off the X Factor'.

"It’s bizarre.

“It’s been several weeks since we found out we were through to the final of the competition but it still hasn't sunk in — I think it will tonight.”

The former Marks and Spencer's part-time shop assistant is now living in a luxury mansion with the other contestants.

Diana, who had singing lessons as a child has always had a dream to make it in music.

"I wanted to try and go for it and this is a really good time to do it."

She added: “The good thing about the X-Factor is the instant exposure it gives you.

"I have heard about people sending off demo tapes for years and years and people just throwing them away without listening to them.

"This is like sending a demo out to the nation.

“If I won I wouldn't be someone who just sat down and thought 'oh I can chill now’ I would be asking what do I do now? What can I do next?

“I would put my heart into it. Leona Lewis worked so hard and that’s why she has been such a success, so that's what I would be doing too.

“And if I don't win, I will still pursue a career in music. I won't give up."