A TEENAGE singer-songwriter is set to follow in the footsteps of superstars after clinching a place at a top music school in London.

Leah Haworth, 16, is one of just 25 people in the country who will be going to study at the Brit School in Croydon this year where the likes of Jessie J, Adele and Leona Lewis started their journeys.

The Darwen Aldridge Community Academy student will move to the capital in September and will learn about recording, song writing, performance and the business side of the music industry while on her BTEC course.

Leah, of St Peter’s Close in Darwen, said she was in shock when she received her acceptance letter.

She said: “As soon as the post arrived I rushed to the front door. I was a bit nervous when I was opening it but as soon as I saw that I had got a place I was just crying and screaming with happiness.

“I always felt I had done my best in my audition and it seems my hard work has really paid off. It’s so exciting.

“I have wanted this opportunity for years. I just can’t get my head around it.

“It is so difficult to get into the music industry and that’s why I decided to go for this rather than sixth form.

“You’ve just got to get yourself out there anyway you can and I hope to help as many people as possible in the future with my music.”

Leah is one of just five people outside of London to receive a place this year.

She released her first EP early last year and has since performed at Darwen Live, Moofest and at the town’s library theatre.

Leah has been tutored at the Darwen School of Music for the past three years by soul singer Paul Davies, who has sung with the likes of Kim Weston and The Vandellas.

Mr Davies said: “Like most things in life, learning to sing stays true to the phrase ‘you get out what you put in’.

“Leah had been coming for vocal coaching sessions for three years and in that time she has strived to improve herself at every opportunity.

“She reminds me of myself when I started out, hungry to succeed.

Established in 1991, the Brit School has a long list of famous alumni which also includes Amy Winehouse and Katy B.

Check out her audition here..