A TEENAGE singer from the Dengie has been shortlisted for two prizes at a youngster’s regional awards ceremony.

16-year-old Tom Newman Clark, of Southminster, has been singing for more than four years, and has been put forward by his fans for Best Solo Artist and Best Live Act (14 to 17 years old) at the South East Entertainment Awards, or “Youngstars”.

The awards are part of the National Entertainment Awards, with Tom competing for public votes against multiple other artists.

Tom has had a hugely successful few years as a singer, making it through the first round of Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice, performing many solo gigs around Essex in aid of charity and developing a following of more than a thousand people on social media.

The awards ceremony is set to take place at Civic Hall in Grays on November 26. Tom was already scheduled to play at the ceremony before being nominated.

Tom’s mother Kim Newman Clark said for Tom to win the awards would be a “huge boost” for him.

She said: “He’s come so far in the last few years and has been so dedicated to singing. He does a great deal of Matt Monro, Michael Buble and John Barrowman. If you were to meet him you wouldn’t think he was 16, he’s so sharply dressed and elegant.

“He’s entered into loads of competitions and has always fallen short, either early on or towards the end. For him to win this would be spectacular for him.

“It’s been quite a tough year, we’ve had some deaths in the family and his dog suffered a stroke last month. To win this would be a huge boost for him morally and professionally.

“His fans have put him forward for this, but he needs the Dengie people’s help to ensure he qualifies as a contestant.”

Public voting is now open on Facebook, with Tom needing to be one of the eight contestants with the most votes to qualify. Voting closes on April 7.

To vote for Tom, visit www.facebook.com/events/1410047719027489.