Steph Clark makes it through to the regional finals of the Open Mic UK competition.

A Honiton mum-of-three is hoping to make her dreams of singing professionally a reality after making it through to the regional finals of the prestigious Open Mic UK competition.

Steph Clark, who is a mental health nurse, will now be performing in the live showcases of the competition and is hoping to impress the judges to win a place in the national grand final.

The winner of the grand final will win £5,000 to spend on the development of a music career.

Open Mic UK 2014 is a search for unsigned talent in the UK, and travels the country every year looking for the best singers, singer-songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres performing either covers or their own original material.

The 32-year-old said: “I feel positively overwhelmed and grateful to have been given this amazing opportunity. There were so many talented musicians of all ages at the auditions, and I did not expect to get this far.”

Singing has been a lifelong passion for Steph, whose partner James encouraged her to enter the contest.

She added: “I have been interested in singing and music all of my life, it is my passion. However my lack of confidence was a massive barrier. No one had ever really heard me sing, until four years ago when my partner James overheard me.

“It was James who encouraged me to take my singing seriously. I started taking singing lessons and then joined a local band. The positive feedback from friends and family was a massive confidence boost.”

She says she loves singing jazz and blues music.

“I realised that if I wanted to do what I loved [singing] I was going to have to put myself out there,” says Steph. “If you want anything in life you have to work for it.

“I would love to sing professionally, who wouldn’t? However, I am realistic and I know how increasingly competitive and challenging the music industry can be.

“To have a career in music would be amazing. I know it sounds cliché but it would be a dream come true.”

Go along and support Steph at the Exeter Corn Exchange on Sunday, November 2. Tickets are £8 and are available from Steph by emailing steph_clark@hotmail.co.uk.

Follow Steph on Twitter @Jazzstress.