Hannah Jewell, the 10-year-old singing sensation

FORGET Charlotte Church — the next singing sensation could well be North Devon schoolgirl Hannah Jewell.

The 10-year-old mezzo soprano from South Molton is beginning to make a name for herself in the West Country and further afield.

Her talents have already been aired on BBC Radio Devon's Chasing the Dream programme and she has been invited to take part in the Proms in the Park concert at Bicton Gardens, Budleigh Salterton, in August.

Now her parents, Paul and Tracey Jewell, are searching for a good voice coach to help develop her talent.

Hannah, a pupil at Bishops Nympton Primary School, said: "I like other music as well but I love singing classical because it is really passionate and it is good for my voice."

She said that singing made her "feel happy" and added: "A person in church once told me that music heals and I believe that too."

Paul, a local supply teacher, said his daughter taught herself to sing just by listening to music. He said: "She has got an amazing voice, especially for a 10 year old."

He and his wife first realised their daughter's gift when she sang a song from the musical Phantom of the Opera at just three-and-a-half years old.

But her confidence in performing really blossomed after her dad accepted a nine-month teaching job in Australia. While there, Hannah began singing solo in the local church. She had never sung in public before.

And a couple who heard her practising one day promptly asked her to perform at their wedding; that was her first gig.

The family were in Australia during the recent bush fires and although they were nowhere near the disaster zone, Hannah was determined to do something for those affected. She recorded a CD of classical song to raise money for relief work.

She sold about 100 copies and raised more than 500 dollars.

Hannah wants to be a professional classical singer when she grows up, just like her idols, the New Zealand soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Australian soprano Yvonne Kenny.

Her dad said: "Hannah has perfect pitch. My wife is very musical and Hannah's ear for music probably comes from her."