CHRISTMAS came early for young Frances Grindley when she won the chance to sing with Faye Tozer from chart-topping band Steps.

Frances, nine, of Saltney was one of six lucky youngsters from the North West who enjoyed a day to remember when they reached the final of BBC North West Tonight's Christmas singing competition.

The highlight of the trip was the chance to team up with Steps star Faye.

Upton Heath Primary School pupil Frances and the other finalists had been chosen from hundreds of youngsters who had sent in audio tapes or videos of themselves singing Christmas songs.

They all spent a day at BBC North West's HQ in Manchester chatting with Faye and the other competition judges, North West Tonight presenter Gordon Burns, weather presenter Dianne Oxberry, BBC Philharmonic general manager Brian Pidgeon and BBC Philharmonic project manager Martin Maris.

Then each youngster got the chance to sing their Christmas carol along with a BBC Philharmonic pianist.

It was a chance in a lifetime for the budding stars, all of whom appeared on the show on Tuesday.

The overall winner will go behind the scenes at a Steps concert to meet the group before starring on North West Tonight on December 21.