She is named after a pop group and started to sing as soon as she could talk, so it’s no wonder Shalamar Baker is proving to be a star.

The 12-year-old, from St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime, took part in the area final of Teen Star UK this month.

Although she wasn’t put straight through to the national finals, Shalamar is still in with a chance of getting a judge's wild card which would see her taking part in the climax to the competition.

The Fort Pitt Grammar School pupil, who also attends Razzamataz Theatre School Medway, sang her own version of Katy Perry’s hit Firework.

The judges told her: “You also worked the dynamics well, ramping up the commitment to the performance as you progressed. Vocally, you have a lovely tone.”

Proud dad John Baker said: “She was singing as soon as she could talk. It’s what she loves to do. It would be lovely if people in Medway would vote for her.”

Talented Shalamar is named after the hit Eighties band whose UK top 10 hits include I Can Make You Feel Good and A Night to Remember

You can see her performance at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igR-f_aYfKw

Vote for her by texting wildcard204 to 84222. Texts cost £1.