Catherine Vercaza, from Boldon Lane, South Shields, has put her eight-year-old daughter Danielle, forward for Young Performer of the Year.

She said: "I believe Danielle is a person I can be proud of for being very determined and ambitious at such a young age.

"She loves entering competitions.

"She really loves singing and wanted to explore her talent.

"I hope she will be given a chance to show and share what she has got and, most of all, by entering this competition, I know that she can gain confidence."

Danielle could be one of up to 16 Young Performer(s) of the Year nominees who will get to appear on stage in the Pride Talent Show, at the Customs House, on Wednesday, April 23.

The show starts at 7.30pm, and tickets, priced £5 or £3 concessions, are on sale now from the box office, either in person, or on 454 1234.

The Pride of South Tyneside Awards, now in their sixth year, are organised by the Gazette, South Tyneside Council and the Customs House.

Ten awards are up for grabs – Carer of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Greener South Tyneside, Sporting Excellence, Top Achiever, Child of Courage, Good Friend/Neighbour, Role Model of the Year, Young Performer(s) of the Year and a Judges' Special Award.

The closing date has now passed for nominations.

Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony, which will take place at the Customs House, in Mill Dam, South Shields, on Thursday, July 10.