DESPITE being pipped to the post in the final of the BBC's Britney Spears Talent Competition, 14-year-old Emma Nicholls is determined to make it in the world of performing arts.

Emma, of Townley Street, Brierfield, reached the final of the competition televised live on the Saturday Show and viewers saw her perform Britney's Hit Me Baby One More Time.

The Walshaw High School pupil was one of six finalists voted for by the public out of the final 24 entrants.

Although the winner was eight-year-old Nathan Sykes, Emma has not been put off in her search for fame.

She said: "I have always enjoyed singing since I was about seven and my uncle was on karaoke and he put the microphone to my mouth. My dad takes me to karaoke now.

"I want to to do performing arts when I leave school. It's a great feeling performing in front of an audience."

Emma is a member of the Burnley-based Basics Junior Theatre and has entered numerous competitions.

Her favourite singers are Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.