A Swadlincote man is hoping to hit the high notes in a national competition after making it through to the regional finals of a UK-wide singing contest.
Graeme Drayton, 33, is hoping his musical dream will finally come true after reaching the regional finals of the Open Mic UK competition.
His rendition of Paul Weller's Broken Stones impressed a panel of judges and he is now a step further to performing at the 02 academy, earning a recording contract and winning a cash prize.
Mr Drayton, who works at the Odeon cinema in Swadlincote, said: "I first entered it in 2011 and then I re-entered in 2015 where I also made it to the regional finals.
"The two minute audition was nerve-wracking. I had to perform in front of seven others in the room and I went first but they stopped me early because they were so happy with it.
"The most amazing thing was when I was performing in a car parking lot beforehand. The acoustics were great and I was really going for it but I stopped because I saw this woman walking by. She said it was amazing and told me to carry on so it was nice to hear that; it gave me a bit of a boost."
Mr Drayton will perform an original song 'Thank You' in the next stage of the competition October 29 at Sheffield City Hall before finding out if he has been successful in making it further.
He said: "It is great and I am really happy. I hope this is my time."
To see Mr Drayton perform at the regional finals, contact him on www.facebook.com/draytongraeme
Tickets are £9 each and the show will begin at 7.30pm.
