A talented teenager has triumphed at a national song writing competition after impressing judges with her self-penned tune.

Sky Hormbrey, from Headington School, won the Young Songwriter Academy Competition with a vocal performance of her original song Never Forget.

The 16-year-old topped the 13 to 18 age category with the composition, that had a backing of piano, cello and strings.

She said: “I was more shocked than anything. I feel really blessed and privileged. I’d heard feedback that they liked the vocals and lyrics, but when I got the email to say I’d won, I was shocked.”

The teenager was encouraged to enter the contest by her music teacher after writing the song two years ago.

It draws on her personal experiences of loved ones dying. She said: “When we lose someone it’s really hard and we always feel really sad about it and I just wrote it to remember this person that I lost in a really, really good way.”

Sky is now set to perform her original piece at London’s Westfield Shopping Centre on Sunday, June 22.

She said: “I’m nervous, but I’m trying to practice as much as I can. I’m excited and looking forward to it.”

Our top stories: