ROSSENDALE has unearthed its own Charlotte with a voice of an angel.

Charlotte Halliwell showed viewers of BBC North West Tonight that she not only shares the Christian name of Miss Church but she too is blessed with an impressive singing voice.

The 15-year-old from Lumb used her angelic singing voice to win the X-mas Factor contest which asked young people from across the North West to sing their favourite carols.

Every night last week, viewers of BBC 1's North West Tonight were treated to special performances of their favourite carols with the shortlist of young singers eventually whittled down to four for Friday's final.

The pupil at Alder Grange Community and Technology School in Rawtenstall emerged victorious after lining up with three other finalists -- chosen after competing on BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC GMR, BBC Radio Cumbria, and BBC Radio Merseyside.

As part of her prize, the teenager sang the first verse of 'Once in Royal David's City' during the region's simultaneous Real Christmas carol services - broadcast live on BBC radio stations on Sunday.

Charlotte, who is studying GCSE music, said: "I have been likened to Charlotte Church by a few people so if I sound anything like her then that's great.

"It has been a dream come true to win this competition. My friends were all gobsmacked but very pleased for me. I'm just hoping something will come out of it now just like it did for Charlotte Church."

Her proud mum, Nadine, said becoming a seasonal singing sensation fitted in with her daughter's ambition to carve out a career in musical theatre. I am very proud yes and she has got a voice of an angel.

"She began singing in the choir at primary school and she has also been dancing since she was five.

"She would love a career in the performing arts and musical theatre is something she has repeatedly mentioned."

The love of music runs in the family. Charotte's sister Rebecca, 14, is also a keen singer and dancer and her brother, John, 19, plays guitar.

Producer of the Real Christmas concert, Andrew Graystone said Charlotte's impressive voice was music to his ears.

"Charlotte has a great voice and has beaten off tough competition to become our soloist for the North West's biggest ever carol service. "

Real Christmas is a Manchester-based charity set up to encourage people to go to carol services.