A West Hatch High School student has won a Youngstars South East Entertainment Award after wowing judges with his singing.

Year 8 student Joshua Lord, 12, won the ten to 13-year-old solo vocalist category and received his award at the Civic Hall, Grays, in front of an audience of some 800 people.

The winners were judged by external high profile professionals in record production along with figures from the entertainment industry.

Joshua said: "I can’t believe I won. There were so many talented people in the category so when they said my name I didn’t hear it at first, it wasn’t until everyone around started cheering that I realised it was me!"

Joshua has also reached the semi-finals of Factor EsseX, a competition that follows the same format as ITV’s X-Factor.

Joshua has made it through all stages including first audition, Boot Camp, the 'six chair challenge' and four live shows.

West Hatch High School headteacher Daniel Leonard said: "We are all exceptionally proud of Joshua and congratulate him on his award. We are all following his progress in Factor EsseX and are delighted that he has reached the semi-finals.

"We are thrilled that the hard work and dedication Joshua has shown has started to pay off."

Mr Leonard added: "Joshua is the latest in a long line of talented musicians from West Hatch High School - with several of our students having excelled over the years on programmes such as Britain's Got Talent."

The Factor EsseX semi-final is on Sunday (December 3) with the final on Sunday, December 10.

You can follow Joshua's progress on Twitter @joshualordmusic, Instagram, and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaLordMusic/videos/702524736610683/