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A singer from Doncaster has a bright future after reaching the national final of a singing competition. Hayley Ayre, 30, from Cantley, was a runner up in the final of the ‘Horse Factor’ run by Greene King’s family pub brand, Hungry Horse.

Hayley, a mother of two, said: ‘I entered the competition back in July at the Cumberland Hungry Horse and I couldn’t believe it when I got through to the national final, the talent at the regional was so high. I used to perform in pubs and clubs up until nine years ago but I had to stop as it started to make me feel really stressed and I was getting ill; I just lost all my confidence. Singing was my life and then everything seemed to change.

‘Since then, I completely stopped performing until about five years ago when I entered a karaoke night to test myself and although I got through the night, it wasn’t to the same level as I used to be. I have gradually built up my performance and confidence again with karaoke but this competition has been a huge step for me. When I sing I feel euphoric, once I get the first few bars out of the way I just get lost in the music. To get this far in the ‘Horse Factor’ has given me such a boost in confidence. I am so pleased with myself for getting as far as I did and my husband Ian has been such a brilliant support, he is so proud of me when I perform.’
The ‘Horse Factor’ had over 4,000 entrants from all over England and Wales with Hayley getting down to the final 18. She walked away with £500 at the final at the Court Leet Hungry Horse in Bromsgrove.

A spokesperson for Hungry Horse, said: ‘The competition has been a huge success and we have found some really great talent from all over the UK. We are so pleased for Hayley and wish her all the luck with her future; it has been a pleasure meeting her and we hope her confidence continues to grow as it has throughout the competition.’

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