A GWENT schoolgirl who shot to fame on a TV talent show plans to release her first single this summer.

As revealed in the Argus, Katie Williams, 16, from Cwmavon Road, Blaenavon, looks set for stardom after signing a lucrative five-album record deal with music giants Epic.

The company are being tight-lipped about the money involved but the last Welsh girl to sign up to a five-record deal was Charlotte Church - for a reported £1 million.

Katie landed the ticket to fame following her rendition of Lena Marlin's I Am Sitting Down There on BBC1's Star for a Night show.

Now the former pupil of St Alban's RC High School, Pontypool, is close to completing her debut album, co-written by Dane Bowers.

The former Another Level star and now successful solo artist has previously made hit records with Victoria Beckham.

Katie's manager, Solomon Parker, said Katie's first single should be hitting the shops in the summer.

"She is working on a couple more tracks and the album is almost finished. We are now working for a summer release date for her first single."

Asked to describe her musical direction, he said: "I suppose it's on the lines of Natalie Imb-ruglia."

Speaking after her rise to fame last year, Katie told the Argus: "I am still in shock by all this, yes, and it's really surreal but I am determined to enjoy it and it's an opportunity I intend to grasp with both hands."

She has the support of her family, with her proud mum Gill pledging: "She has been given a great opportunity and I will let her get on with it - we are all right behind her."