A seven-year-old girl from Kent has been awarded a theatre school scholarship ahead of competitors twice her age.

Kiah Spurle, from Tonbridge, has been given the scholarship in association with The Stage newspaper to attend Razzamataz Tonbridge for a year - completely free of charge.

For a chance to win, young people were asked to film a short demo showing them performing and Kiah was praised for her rendition of 'The First Time in Forever' from the Disney film, Frozen.

The Stage is a national newspaper for the performing arts industry and the scholarship was created to give children the opportunity to participate in the performing arts world.

Kiah's mum Sonia, said: "It's fantastic that Kiah was awarded the scholarship this year, she is only seven-years-old and has won ahead of people much, much older than her.

"I'm so proud of her and delighted at the fact she now has another year at Razzamataz.

"Before joining she wouldn't look at anyone when she sung and was very shy, but since performing there she has really come out of her shell and will happily perform in front of an audience now.

"I noticed when she was about three-years-old that she could sing, she has a brilliant voice."

Since gaining confidence through her time at Razzamataz, Kiah has taken to YouTube to share a video of her singing 'Let it Go' - also from Frozen.

The original video received over 200,000 views, but due to copyright issues had to be removed.

The Woodlands Junior School pupil has since visited The Music Station in Tonbridge and had her version of the song professionally recorded and re-released it on YouTube. She also performed at a kmfm street party held in Brook Street last month.

10-year-old Emma Stockton, from Tonbridge, was the winner of last year's scholarship and has since performed at different venues across the country.

Dave Mac, Principal of Razzamataz Tonbridge said: "We were delighted to offer Kiah the scholarship and really hope this inspires her to keep working hard and enjoying her performing arts training.

"She was delighted when she heard and it has given her an enormous boost of confidence."

"I'm so proud of Kiah and delighted at the fact she now has another year at Razzamataz" - Sonia Spurle

Razzamataz gained national recognition after an appearance on Dragons’ Den in 2007 and won an investment from Duncan Bannatyne.

Duncan Banatyne said: “Congratulations to Kiah and make the most of this fantastic opportunity. Razz skills keep young people active, instill a confidence and pride and encourage social skills. All of which are vital today.”

Razzamataz Tonbridge offers a wide range of performing arts styles for children age two - 18-years-old.

Kiah's younger sister Isla also attends Razzamataz, Sonia said: "They both absolutely love it performing there. Isla is a mini Kiah when it comes to singing and performing, she gets so excited about it all."

To watch Kiah's video visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWfVKq7NvW4

For more info visit: www.razzamataz.co.uk