A TEENAGER with a ‘power house diva voice’ had to turn down an invitation to The Voice Kids after progressing in Essex’s own singing competition.

Amber Atkinson's parents first realised she could sing at the age of three when she began belting out Disney songs.

At the age of ten, Amber, of Pyrles Lane, Loughton, performed Etta James’ ‘At Last’ with grandad Michael Yarrow at the Cottage Loaf pub.

She floored the regulars and giving her the confidence boost she needed to perform live.

Now the 14 year-old is three rounds into Factor EsseX, a singing talent competition that helped elevate Rylan Clarke and Lauren Platt to fame in its bid to unearth the county’s best performers.

“In week one a judge said she was a real contender to win,” said Amber’s mum Jenny Yarrow.

“I know she is my daughter, but people are constantly telling me ‘she’s in a different class’. She is phenomenal for her age.

“She has a power house diva voice and loves all the old soul classics.”

Having made a name for herself online and through other talent competitions, Amber was invited onto The Voice Kids.

Unfortunately for the Debden Park High School student, she will be too old by the time the show records next year.

With three weeks left of the competition held at The Arlington Ballroom in Southend-on-Sea however, the mental health counsellor is convinced her daughter can win.

Ms Yarrow said: “Her duet of ‘I’m a Survivor’ blow the roof off on Sunday.

“She is determined to be a success. I will go with her wherever she wants to go.”