A life-changing experience is how 21-year-old Toby Sumpton, of Brantingham, describes his time on last year's The X Factor.

The ex-Beverley Grammar School student reached the boot camp stages of the ITV, show after impressing judges Nicole Sherzinger, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell, when he sang Elton John's Your Song.

"To sing in front of 3,000 people and the judges was such an experience," said Toby. "It did boost my confidence."

Unfortunately, Toby didn't make it to the judges' houses, but the experience has only heightened his ambition and he is now set to audition for The Fox Factor at The Fox And Coney in South Cave tonight.

Singing might not have been his first career choice – when he was younger he wanted to be a footballer – but since he started singing at the age of 13, it has been his dream to take it to a professional level.

"I've always thought I could make a career out of it," he said.

It wasn't until last year, though, that he decided the time was right to make a go of it and The X Factor was his first stepping stone.

Now, at the age of 21, Toby has recorded his own album, which was completed about two weeks ago.

"It's a collection of 12 swing and jazz covers and I'm hoping one day it will have a barcode on it," he said.

The singer, who has been described as a mix of Michael Bublé and Jamie Cullum, has gained many fans since appearing on The X Factor and he's hoping they will get behind him at his latest challenge – tonight's Fox Factor competition.

"It's basically like The X Factor, but instead of a backing track, we have a live band," explains Toby.

The auditions are hosted by The Fox And Coney, in association with Viking FM, and contestants have the chance to win £2,000 and studio recording time.

The Fox Factor was the brainchild of pub owner and former music producer, Vince Garcia, who believes it will be a really exciting event for the area.

He said: "This isn't just a local talent contest. The winner will be someone who has the potential to make it big in the music industry.

"I'm going to support them as much as I can."

The judging panel will include Vince, Gareth Tudor Price and Viking FM's Rosie.

Auditions started last Thursday and there will be a series of knockout heats.

Successful contestants will then go through to the boot camp stages and the grand final will be held in April.

So, Toby will have to wait until then to find out if he really does have The Fox Factor.