A TEENAGE student and civil engineer are singing for joy after making it through heat five of Talent Trail 2010.

There were strong performances from Steph Sweeting and Alan Jones in the latest round of the singing competition, sponsored by Devilfishpoker.com run by Hull-born poker player Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott.

Steph, 17, from Castleford, took time out from studying English to perform Kings Of Leon's Sex On Fire, Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah and finally Dixie Chicks, Let 'er Rip.

On hearing she was through to the next round she said: "I was shocked and never expected to do so well.

"The competition was excellent.

"I'll be singing in my front room with a hair brush for a microphone to prepare for the semis."

Also joining Steph is 65-year-old Alan from Welton.

Known by his friends as Rock God he wowed the packed pub with renditions of Ray Charles' Georgia On My Mind, Meat Loaf's Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad and Labi Siffre's So Strong.

He said: "I'm absolutely amazed. I never dreamt of going through.

"I only entered as an excuse to get up and have a sing."

In total, six acts were competing for a place in the next round. The other four were Joanne Rilatt, 38, from west Hull, Dean Wildbore, 24, from Priory Road, west Hull, Dylan James, 32, from west Hull, and Brookelyn Lawrance, 18, from east Hull.

The next heat of Talent Trail 2010 was taking place tonight at the Trades and Labour Club, 37-39 Beverley Road, central Hull.

The winning contestants in each heat will progress to the semi-finals, hoping to secure a place in the final at Hull City Hall, on Thursday, May 20.

The winner will receive a prize of £1,500 and the Talent Trail trophy.

There are still a few places left to take part in this year's competition.

Anyone interested in strutting their stuff on stage can contact Liz Hugill on 07771 563832.