A HEREFORD woman is hoping to make her mark on the music industry after gaining a place in the regional final of a national competition.

Natalie Holman, from Whitecross, has been singing since she was two and is starting to see her ambition of becoming a successful singer and songwriter being realised.

After a successful audition for the Open Mic UK competition last month, the 21- year-old hopes she can repeat the performance and wow judges at the regional finals in Bristol – with the aim of gaining a spot in the final at London’s O2 next year.

She said: “It’s quite a way off but if that was to happen and I got to perform at the 02 it would be a dream come true.

“I studied music at school and college, and picked up the guitar when I was 13 years old.

“It all progressed from there and now I’ve found my own sound and style – acoustic pop rock – and I’m hoping that I can make it as a successful artist.”

Natalie – who is also studying for a degree in French and Italian with the Open University – is also set to record a single called Butterfly for Hereford charity the Haven in memory of her grandmother.

The regional final of the competition takes place in Bristol on November 3.