ONE of Redbridge's carnival princesses has taken another step towards pop stardom by reaching the final of a prestigious TV talent show.

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

The girls, who named their group Belles Girls in memory of their beloved grandmother Bella, saw off stiff competition from father and son duet, Goldring, and three-strong boyband, The Subs, to be selected for the sing-off against four other talented acts.

The winner of the competition will be announced on the programme on October 12.

They will be rewarded with a record contract and the chance to release a Christmas album.

Katie's dad, Cliff, is confident his daughter 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."