A YOUNG singing hopeful has taken another step towards a £4,000 recording contract.

Lucy Closier, of Dunmow Close in Loughton, made it through to the fourth round of The Essex Factor competition on Sunday (April 10).

Lucy, 14, wowed judges with her performance of Olive's chart-topping single 'You're Not Alone' for last week's 1990s theme.

The Roding Valley High School pupil, said: "It's amazing, I'm so happy I got through.

"More than 1,000 people applied and to be down to the last handful is brilliant.

"I really want to get into the music industry and become a professional singer so I'm hoping that I can keep going in this competition."