A singer who started her career by taking part in open microphone sessions is representing the borough in a national competition.

Joy Nadine, 22, has made it to the finals of this year’s Gig’s Big Busk, the country’s biggest street music competition, which is run by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Joy has played the piano since she was five, but despite having never had official singing training she says she feels “comfortable” on the stage.

A former pupil at QE Girls, Barnet, she went on to study music at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

She said: “My singing style is natural and unique; I have got friends and family who compare me to Bryan Ferry probably because of the baritone in my voice.

"They have been coming along to some of my gigs, whether it be underground in Waterloo or at Westfield shopping centre.

“I am a local Barnet girl and i just need that break, in which people have faith in me so I can get into the music industry.”

The support of those around her is going to be particularly useful as she goes into the final 200 of the competition, where she is hoping for the public's support to compete in the grand final.

She is yet to decide on a song to sing in the grand finals, having narrowed it down to just 15.

To vote for Joy online, visit www.gigsbigbusk.com/vote

The finals take place at Westfield Stratford City on Sunday, September 7.