The 15-year-old, from Winchcombe, wants to be the next Lea Michele and is hoping her combination of singing, dancing and acting skills will put her on the path to stardom.

The Year 10 pupil, who attends Winchcombe Secondary School, is what the performing world calls 'a triple threat' with her combination of talents – just like her idol, the Glee actress who plays Rachel Berry.

The contest will be Ayse's first public performance. She applied via YouTube, uploading a video of herself singing, then sending a link to the contest organisers. Anyone else interested in taking part can do the same.

She said: "I am really excited and have been practising in front of my friends to make sure I get everything right.

"I want to be a performer when I am older, either an actress or do something in musical theatre. I am a huge 'Gleek', so would love to meet Lea Michele one day and sing with her."

Ayse has a half-brother and sister who both suffer from disabilities and love listening to her sing. She said: "When I sing to my brother and sister, I sing for them and want to make them proud."

Ayse is in her school choir and has landed the role of 'Databank' in her school production of Return to the Forbidden Planet. As well as this, she is studying for her GCSEs, including performing arts.

Entry to Cheltenham's Top Talent, which is being held in aid of the Mayor's three chosen charities, is open to people from the Echo circulation area aged 20 or under. Applications should be sent to us by noon on November 11, with auditions at the Beechwood Shopping Centre on November 26 and 27. The final is on December 18.

Companies interested in sponsoring the event should call the mayor's office on 01242 264108 or email mayor@chelten