RAPPER Benjamin Blake from Colwall has made it through to the semi-final of a major music talent contest.

Benjamin, who performs as Bb, will be taking part in the semi-final of Open Mic UK on Sunday, November 28, at the Corn Exchange in Bedford.

He won his place after competing in the regional final in Leamington Spa at the end of September. The winner will go on to the national final at the O2, with a £30,000 record contract as the first prize.

He said: "I feel really lucky to be in a competition like this, let alone at this stage. When I entered I never ever though I'd be getting this far.

Tickets for the semi-final are only £5, and can be obtained from Benjamin, who can be contacted on bb_14@hotmail.co.uk.

He said: "I just want to say a massive thank you to all the people that voted for me, it really means a lot. It's because of you that I'm here. The whole country's gone Cher Lloyd crazy, I want to get Malvern mental about Bb too."