|PIC1|Zoe Oputah, a 15 year old from South Bermondsey in London, has been chosen as the winner of a national gospel talent competition launched by international development agency Christian Aid and Rockhill Music.

The competition, which attracted entries from across the country at regional heats held in Manchester, Bristol, London and Birmingham, saw Zoe beat 35 acts, seven of which reached the final sing off held at the Commonwealth Church, St Marks, Mayfair.

Zoe is a member of the World Evangel Choir in Bermondsey and youth choir RaRe, and has been singing since she was seven and composing her own music since the age of 11. She sang one of her own songs 'I Need You Now' at the Harmonise competition.

Zoe's prize will be to work with professional musicians, recording at a London studio during the summer for Acoustic Gospel Volume (II). She will also have the opportunity to perform at selected national events to mark the launch of the album, as well as representing Christian Aid at various live events and festivals throughout 2009.

£1.50 from the sale of every CD will be used to help improve the lives of children in Africa through a variety of Christian Aid funded projects.

Zoe said: "I entered the competition firstly as a challenge for myself. I knew that I'd probably be the youngest person there with the least experience, but I saw that as a positive thing, a tool I could use to build up on myself as a performer and minister.

"Also, I joined because I love Gospel! I love being around people who share my passion and who I can gain from as well as share with. I was elated to have won as the standard of the competition was very high. I'm still getting used to the idea actually!"

Dionne Gravesande of Christian Aid, said: "We are delighted that Zoe, our youngest finalist, has won the chance to record professionally with Rockhill Music. Competition was very stiff and she triumphed over many older, more experienced, performers.

"The album will not only give Zoe the chance to launch her recording career but will also raise vital funds for Christian Aid's work with children in developing countries, allowing them to build a better future for themselves."

Acoustic Gospel Volume (II) will be out in November 2008 and will be available from high street retailers including HMV and Wesley Owen and online at www.Acousticgospel.com