STILL a teenager, she has won a national singing contest, self-financed her debut EP and supported acts such as Anastacia, Will Young, Omar and Ruby Turner.

Southampton’s Charley Macaulay has now been handed her first record contract.

Her soulful voice was spotted by Radio 6 DJ and founder of Acid Jazz Records Eddie Piller, who is responsible for launching the careers of Jamiroquai, The Brand New Heavies and The James Taylor Quartet.

Charley has signed up to a three-year deal ahead of appearances at The Isle of Wight Festival, Bestival, Blissfields and Party in the Park.

Her first single and album are due for release in August 2013 as she ventures into this new stage of her career.