A GREENOCK teenager battled back from illness to win a major singing award.

Rhys Crawford, who attends Notre Dame High School, said he considered pulling out of the Inverclyde Music Festival after he was floored with a chesty cough and sickness bug.

But despite missing out on rehearsal time, the 17-year-old hit the high notes to scoop first prize

He won the 'vocal solo hits from the charts' contest for his superb rendition of 'All of Me' by John Legend.

Speaking to the Tele, Rhys, who is in S6, said: "I've not been well for the past two weeks and have been coughing and throwing up.

"The day before the festival I was insisting that I wasn't going to do it because my voice was still recovering.

"But I felt a bit better so I decided to just go for it.

"I changed the key and pitch of the song and it paid off for me. It feels good to win."

Fellow pupil Sophie Tucker was thrilled to achieve 'Second in Class' for her pitch perfect performance of 'Like I'm Gonna Lose You' by popstar Meghan Trainor, featuring John Legend.

Sophie, 15, who is in S4, said: "It's nerve-wracking, but you get nire comfortable after you start singing and get into the music.

"I just really enjoyed taking part."

Sophie recently starred as Maria in Vivace Theatre School's production of West Side Story and hopes to pursue a career in musical theatre.

Gerard Gordon, principal teacher of music at Notre Dame, said that all six pupils from the school who performed can be proud of their efforts.

He said: "They have all done very well.

"It's difficult to get up on this big Town Hall stage, but this is also a great experience and good for their confidence.

"I think it's great to have the festival. It's a brilliant opportunity for the pupils to perform and showcase their talent.

"We are so lucky in Inverclyde to have an annual event like this."