A mother who was “too scared” to sing as a child has been crowned the winner of Borehamwood’s Got Talent.

Gabby Niman, of Malden Road, Borehamwood, sang Demi Lovato’s Skyscraper to a packed audience at the Ark Theatre, in Thrift Farm Lane, on Thursday evening.

Despite “excellent competition" from seven other acts including tap dancers, poets and other singers, the 32-year-old was named the show’s overall winner.

Her success comes after she spent her childhood years with stage fright so bad it stopped her from pursuing her passion.

She said: “I was dreading it because I was the last act to perform, so had time for my nerves to build up.

“But when I was on the stage I really got into it, I loved every minute of it.

“I have always loved singing from the moment I could speak so this was a real achievement for me, especially after I was too scared to sing as a child."

As well as singing the chart-topping single, Mrs Niman played the piano as accompaniment.

The annual talent contest was held as part of Elstree & Borehamwood’s civic festival and Mrs Niman won a trophy and a certificate.

Having auditioned for ITV’s the X-Factor a few years ago, she now plans to pursue her singing and enter more competitions.

The mother-of-four added: “I didn’t expect to win but it is an amazing feeling. Now that I know I can do it I am going to start singing again.

“It has given me the confidence boost I need.”