Talented singer/songwriter Queenie May Hayward-Durran, from Devauden has been dubbed 'one to watch' by record label bosses as she prepares to release her debut single, Runaway.

15-year-old Queenie May, who attends Monmouth Haberdashers, is poised for stardom after her debut single Runaway was selected to be the record of the week on BBC Radio Wales in February.

The song started life as one of her GCSE music compositions but after her haunting vocals and lyrical style impressed record bosses at Abergavenny-based Optimum Records, she was quickly signed to the label.

Managing director of Optimum Records, Kevin King told the Free Press that Queenie May had "something he hadn't seen in a long time".

He added: "I've been in this industry for 42 years and it's rare to find an artist with this kind of unique quality."

Her single is already number 9 on the Amazon pre-sales chart.

Speaking to the Free Press, Queenie May said: "I started writing music by making up lyrics. Sometimes I write them from my emotions and how I'm feeling, other times I just have an idea and have to immediately sit down and write it.

"After writing the lyrics, I use them as a structure to wrap the melody around."

She added: "The track 'Runaway' was a spontaneous song that just came to me and recording the single was so much fun.

"I enjoyed every second of it. It makes me really happy to think that my family, friends and teachers are so proud of me.

"I'm so grateful to all the people who have enabled me to get this far. It's exactly what I dreamed of and even more."

Queenie May's musical influences are Lady Gaga and Elton John.

The single, Runaway, will be available for download on Amazon and will be aired for the first time on BBC Radio Wales on February 13.

Mr Mario Conway, head of music at Haberdashers said: "Queenie May is a shy and unassuming pupil who has not always been aware of the pure and beautiful voice she possesses.

"Her developing maturity has enabled it to become a highly individual voice that has the potential and quality for mass public appreciation.

"We will watch with interest, as we did with another famous old girl Marina Diamandis."