A MOTHER of three who had never sung on stage until she entered a Great Yarmouth College version of the X-Factor realised her dream on Friday when she recorded a CD of her favourite tracks.

A MOTHER of three who had never sung on stage until she entered a Great Yarmouth College version of the X-Factor realised her dream on Friday when she recorded a CD of her favourite tracks.

Melanie Morris, 31, a fashion and textiles student, not only won the competition before Christmas but caught the eye of music industry experts, including Lee Jacobs who runs Tides Reach recording studio on the Norwich Road industrial estate in Lowestoft.

He invited her to record a CD of her favourite songs, including hits by Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow and the Pretenders, which will be sold in college and played on Beach FM, with proceeds going to the Palliative Care East Appeal.

Mr Jacobs, who has worked with a host of regional bands and singers, said: “When I saw her she impressed me with her great attitude. A lot of the other contestants were clearly nervous and had no concept of performance, but she gave us a show.”

Ms Morris, of Reedham, near Yarmouth, said: “I am doing my degree and I have my three children to think about, but I would love to pursue a career in music as well.”