A 12-year-old singer from Kent has secured a contract with one of the world’s biggest record labels.

Sony have signed up Joseph McManners, from Petham, near Canterbury, and his first album is due to be released in October.

In Dreams is a collection of songs to vaunt a voice that has already landed the Simon Langton Boys’ School pupil with the title role in Oliver! at the Marlowe Theatre and the lead in BBC production The Little Prince.

“I called the album In Dreams as I felt it really sums up what the album is all about,” said Joseph. “Also, the title refers to my own dreams of always wanting to be a singer.”

Joseph’s expressive treble voice was first noticed four years ago when he sang at a family party. He went on to perform with the legendary Ron Moody in Oliver! before beating 25,000 other young hopefuls to land the BBC role.

The 13 songs on In Dreams were hand-picked by Joseph himself and include such classics as Walking in the Air and Bright Eyes. In Dreams is due for release on October 24.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENISH GAZETTE