A SCHOOL pupil has become an overnight internet singing sensation after a British actor praised her talent.
Nia Roberts, 16, who has regularly performed in Colwyn Bay night spots, was 'overwhelmed' when celebrity Stephen Fry announced on Twitter that he had become 'rather hooked' on her songs.
The star gave the teenager, who uses the name Sunrise Sunset, a mention on the social networking site, giving his 826,236 followers a link from his page to hers.
Since the Twitter post last week Nia's MySpace site has received more than 6,790 hits, her followers on Twitter have increased and she has attracted fans from across the globe.
Steven Fry's post read: "Astonishing how many talented people there in the world.
Was randomly listening to @sunrise0sunset - become rather hooked on her songs."
The creative musician performed at Speaker's Corner, Colwyn Bay just last month. She lives in West Shore, Llandudno, has been singing folk style songs and playing the guitar since she was eight years old.
Her influences range from Amy Winehouse to Johnny Cash.
Nia, who is studying to complete four A-levels at Ysgol John Bright, said her friend sent the actor and comedian a message asking him to listen to her music on the internet.
She said: "I am overwhelmed. People on Twitter have been amazing.
When I write I like to create stories, I take my inspiration from my feelings. I try to strike a balance between my school work and my music.
"Sometimes I have to make sacrifices for my studying. I get great satisfaction when I perform."
Over the last week Nia's MySpace page has been bursting with comments.
One new fan Ben Zachariah from Melbourne, wrote: "Thank the great Stephen Fry for sending another fan your way (me). And I shall thank him for sending you my way. "
The teenager, who lives with her mother Sandra and father John, scooped the Conwy Folk Club (CFC) Songwriting award this year after competing against musicians from across the county.
She has taken part in several gigs and raised £300 for Cancer Research recently by busking.
Last year The Pioneer compared the young singer's style to Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst and said her performances were 'genuine and captivating'.
Nia's mother Sandra, who works as a teaching assistant at Nia's former school, San Sior in Llandudno, said: "We are very proud.
"She is very talented and is always very busy. She is in her room writing, every moment she gets."
If you would like to hear Nia sing live, she will be performing in the school hall at Ysgol John Bright's open evening on Tuesday, October 20 from 5pm-7pm.