Staff at Southfield School For Girls, in Kettering, have praised the success of 12-year-old pupil Faryl Smith who wowed the celebrity judges on ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

The opera singer received a standing ovation after performing Ave Maria at her audition in Birmingham, which was aired on television on Saturday.

Southfield deputy headteacher Julie Goswell said: "Everyone at the school is very proud of her.

"Her performance on Saturday was fantastic and she's got the potential of a very bright future ahead of her.

"Faryl has made it very clear that she wants to continue with her education at Southfield.

"We have seen her perform at school and know what a talent she is. We are immensely proud of her."

Her stunning rendition of the song brought tears to the eyes of judge Amanda Holden, who told her: "That was absolutely breathtaking – it's given me goosebumps."

Even the usually scathing Simon Cowell was bowled over by what he heard, and said to Faryl: "Forget the fact that you're 12 – it was extraordinary. It's certainly the best audition I have heard this year."

A group on the social networking website Facebook called Faryl Smith from Kettering to win Britain's Got Talent has already attracted 225 members and her audition from Saturday night's show has been watched by thousands on YouTube.


Click here to watch video footage of Faryl singing.


To read more on this story please see Tuesday's Evening Telegraph.