AN aspiring musician from Bury College dined with royalty after being crowned winner of a prestigious competition.

Tylah Tomkins-Simpson, aged 17, was invited to a dinner in London which was attended by Katharine, the Duchess of Kent.

Tylah, who appeared in a number of television shows as a youngster, is now hoping to become a professional singer.

She is being supported by Future Talent, a charity which helps young people who display musical talent, and offers advice and guidance.

The dinner was attended by the Duchess as well as Liz and Terry Bramall, arts philan-thropists who have set up a scholarship in their name to help musicians across the North, including Tylah.

In addition, Tylah, a music student from Heywood, performed a version of Johnny Cash’s song Hurt, and said it was a great experience.

She said: “I had such a fantastic day from beginning to end.

“I came away with a wonderful feeling that I have such a huge amount of support from some very special people, who are interested in helping me to fulfil my ambitions in life.

“One day I hope to repay the charity and hopefully take the Duchess and all the guests out to dinner!”

Aged 10, Tylah was awarded the Ruth Mitchell Rose Bowl at Rochdale Music Festival, after wowing the former Inspiral Carpets singer Tom Hingley, who then put her forward to be supported by the charity.

Tylah, who has made appearances in the TV shows Life on Mars, Shameless and The Street, says she hopes to branch out into musical theatre, and also to make a career from writing and performing her own music.

She added: “Combining my singing and acting together would be amazing. I just love to perform.”