ONE of Redbridge's carnival princesses is preparing to battle for a place in the final of a prestigious TV talent show.

Katie Woolnoth, 17, of Forest Approach, Woodford Green, has won a place in the semi-final of the GMTV No 1 Family competition after she and three cousins dazzled judges with their singing skills during a series of auditions.

The girls, who named the group Belles Girls in memory of their beloved grandmother Bella, found out about their success when GMTV's Jeff Brazier turned up at Katie's cousins' house this morning (Friday) to give them the good news.

The Woodbridge High School pupil said she was thrilled by the surprise.

She said: "I'm nervous and excited.

"We sang Ave Maria at the first audition and then End of the Road in the second.

"We're all really loud, bubbly girls and just enjoying being involved.

"We were shocked when the camera crew turned up this morning because they played a bit of a trick on us - but we are all really happy."

Katie's dad, Cliff, is confident she will keep her feet on the ground.

He said: "She loves performing and would like to go into a career in that field, but she knows how competitive it is.

"She's just enjoying it at the moment and we'll see how it goes."

The foursome will compete with 14 other groups in front of a live audience and panel of judges at an undisclosed venue on Thursday September 17.

Five acts will go through to the final, which will be held live on GMTV - with the winner selected by viewers.

The winners will receive a record contract and the chance to release a Christmas album.