A SINGER, who describes Chester musician Matt Baker as a real inspiration, had the time of her life on the Buckingham Palace stage on Monday.

Laura Critchley, who sings under the moniker Elsie, was backing Sir Tom Jones at the star-studded Diamond Jubilee concert to celebrate 60 years of the Queen’s reign.

Speaking after the glittering event, the Little Sutton singer was bursting with stories from backstage at the palace.

She said: “I caught up with Robbie Williams after not seeing him for years, prayed with Stevie Wonder and his band before they went on stage, rocked out with Kylie, had a little chat with Elton about Port Sunlight, had a conversation with Stella and Paul MacCartney in full over-the-top Scouse accents and had my photo taken with a real Prince!

“I couldn't have wished for a better time!”

But the pop star, whose single London Town had its first national airplay on Radio 1Xtra as Laura was on stage with Sir Tom, is loyal to her roots and just two days before the royal gig graced the stage at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall to sing with Ian Prowse-fronted Amsterdam and upcoming Ellesmere Port band Acrylic Street.

As a child Laura was a member of Matt Baker’s Jigsaw Music Theatre for children, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year.

Laura said: “Matt was a real inspiration to me! I LOVED Jigsaw!”

Matt, now artistic director of Theatre in the Quarter, said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of Laura’s achievements.

“My first memory of Laura is when she was about seven, in a performance of The Snow Queen at Little Sutton Primary School.

“Singing with Sir Tom Jones is incredible but it is only half the story. She is a soloist in her own right and has a wonderful voice.”

Elsie’s single is out on July 23. People can follow her on Twitter @OfficialElsie and on facebook, ElsieMusic.