Singing star Amelia in line Young Performer of the Year award

Amelia Saleh is just 12 years old but has already amassed a large following for her incredible vocal talent.

The youngster from South Frederick Street in South Shields wowed judges when she took part in the annual competition last year, but narrowly missed out on taking home the overall title.

But the young star has set her sights on the Young Performer award once again after being nominated by members of the public blown away with her singing skills.

The award looks to recognise outstanding young performers from across South Tyneside and give them a chance to shine.

Earlier this year, Amelia delighted the crowds gathered at the Sunderland and South Tyneside Health Awards when she performed a range of hits on the stage at the Roker Hotel.

Her incredible performance was captured on video and submitted to judges by those her put her forward for the accolade in the hope that this may be the year for the youngster.

Proud mum Dora Saleh said she was delighted Amelia was being recognised for her talent.

She said: “She is delighted to be nominated for the Young Performer Award once again, as she really enjoyed taking part in the competition last time.

“Amelia loves singing and performing at the health awards was a real highlight for her she said it was one of the best days of her life.

“It was a big thing for her for perform in front of such a big audience and she rehearsed all of the songs by herself.

“She has been rehearsing off her own back recently and is enjoying singing Prince songs at the moment.”

And it’s been a busy year already for Amelia, who made it through to the semi-finals of national singing competition Unstoppable UK back in May after her talent was spotted by a top vocal coach.

The Mortimer Comprehensive pupil sailed through to the semi-finals of the musical competition on the recommendation of vocal coach Julie Miles.

Since then she has had a number of lessons with Julie and will start training with her full-time come September.

How to nominate

Is there a role model, a carer, or a child, who you think shows incredible courage? Do you want to honour a community stalwart who goes the extra mile to help others without asking for acknowledgement?

Is there a child of achievement who has gone that extra length to achieve their targets?

Or is there a young stage star who would deserve to win the Young Performer of the Year category?

We are calling on you to put forward nominations for everything from sports team of the year to entrepreneur of the year, and community group to fundraiser.

This year, the grand finale will be held at the Roker Hotel, where we will be revealing the winners on Wednesday, September 19.

Ray Spencer from the Customs House will be the compere for what promises to be a fantastic occasion.

The Best of South Tyneside awards, this year, have the backing of Barbour; Harlow Printing Limited; JML; BT South Tyneside; Northumbrian Water, UTS Engineering Ltd, Warmseal and South Tyneside College.

•To nominate, please send us the full name, phone number and email address, of the person you wish to nominate and the category you want to nominate them for, along with a brief description of why they are worthy of an award.

And if you are submitting an entry in the Young Performer category, send us a video of them performing.

Send your entries by email to: [email protected] or posted to: Lynn Wild, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, DH4 5RA.