A SCHOOLGIRL from Stroud has been chosen to take part in a hit BBC children’s TV show.

13-year-old Seren has been chosen to take part in the hit CBBC TV show Got What It Takes, which airs this autumn and runs for 10 weeks.

Seren was chosen out of hundreds of hopefuls to be one of just eight young people between the ages of 12 and 14 years-old to take part in the programme.

CBBC's Got what it takes guides eight teenage singers through the highs and lows of the music industry, and there is a twist to the show in that the mum’s of the contestants are the judges.

For Seren, it’s been an exciting journey as, during the filming, she has worked with some big name stars, undergone a series of music industry challenges, recorded a song in a top London studio and taken part in sing-offs judged by the mums.

Seren said: “It has been the best summer of my life!”

“I have learned so much in such a short time, I’ve done so many exciting things, met amazing people, made great friends and the experience has helped me become a much better singer.”

Seren’s mum, Rachel – who appears on the show with her daughter - said: “It’s been a completely amazing experience.”

“It’s the fourth series now and the kids have a lot of challenges to do and the mum’s have to do challenges, too – like getting covered in gunk – all so their kids can compete in the sing-off.”

With the music industry notorious for the difficulties it can present for the people in it, for Rachel, the whole process has been reassuring, as the BBC has sensitively looked after their young contestants.

Rachel said: "Myself and the other mums have been impressed with how the BBC really take care of the kids - I'm really impressed with their level of pastoral care."

The stakes are raised for the contestants once the show gets to the semi-final, with a 24-hour public vote taking place on the November 19, at the end of which a further 3 children go forward to the grand final the following week.

For Seren, she is naturally hoping not only to reach the semi-final, but to receive a lot of local votes, too.

Seren said: “I hope people in Gloucestershire will enjoy the programme, get behind me and give me their support.”

The next series of Got what it takes airs this autumn.