A PENARTH songwriter has made it through to the semi-finals of one of the world's most prestigious and respected international songwriting competitions.

Hana Evans has been selected in the teenager category of the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) and will be competing against songwriters from all over the world to impress the high-profile judges.

Ysgol Bro Morgannwg pupil Hana will be bidding to win more than £100,000 in cash and prizes, a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, and the chance to be signed up by a major record label.

Established in 2002 the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is renowned for its high-profile judges, who this year include Dido, Robert Smith from the Cure, Avicii, Selena Gomez and Simon Le Bon.

The Cure’s Robert Smith praised the quality of this year’s competitors.

"I am astounded at the quality the originality, honesty, vivacity, skill, and intensity of the performances - the talent left me at times breathless!

“Judging is a real pleasure,” he said.

Hana, who reached the regional finals of the national singing competition TeenStar and performed live at the O2 in London last year, said: "I am so happy to reach the semi-finals, and for my music to be heard by industry legends is a privilege in itself.

“Two of my songs, 'Butterflies' and 'L.O.V.E' have been selected, and I will hear about the results in March.”

She added: “I'm currently busy writing and recording more songs and I will be performing in a number of festivals around the UK during 2014. I enjoy music so much, it's a part of my everyday life, it's great to have recognition for my songs."

Hana's music can be heard at www.soundcloud.com/hana2000