Cassy (13) has sung her way into the Scottish finals of Idol 2008, a national talent competition for singers and dancers, in Glasgow at the beginning of November.

The S2 Newbattle High School pupil impressed the judges at the Glasgow heats last month with her rendition of Eddi Reader's "Wild Mountain Side" to secure a place in the regional final.

Bid for stardom

The teenager, who lives in Hughes Crescent with mum Lynn (41) and her partner Alistair Speakman (44), and sister Cody (11), is vying for a place in the national showcase grand finals, which will be held before a 2000-capacity audience in Portsmouth on November 29.

In her bid for stardom, Cassy is competing in the U-18 category where the winner will record their own album.

She plans to perform either "No-one But You" by Queen or "Take a Bow" by Rhianna at the regional finals, which will held in front of a voting judging panel and audience.

X Factor goal

Lynn is delighted with her daughter's success so far.

"I was over the moon, totally over the moon," she said of Cassy reaching the Scottish finals.

"She is one of the youngest ones there as she is only 13 and the majority of them are 16 and 17.

"Some had been up for the X Factor as well.

"I was really proud of her.

Theatre company

"It is about trying to get some experience because she is too young for the X Factor but that is her goal."

Cassy has always had a keen interest in the performing arts.

She is a former member of the Edinburgh-based Razzamatazz Theatre School and, at the start of the summer, joined the Lothian Youth Arts and Musicals Company, which recently finished a production of "Romeo and Juliet" at the Churchill Theatre.

The judges for Idol 2008, which has attracted more than 10,000 applications across the country, including singers Cheryl Baker and Jane McDonald, former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon and former Steps member Lee-Latchford Evans.

The 2007 grand finals were broadcast on ITV.