A 15-year-old schoolgirl from Fakenham has sung her way to success, and taken first place in a songwriting competition.

Eastern Daily Press: Her song, 'This is MK', will be released on iTunes on November 1. Photo: Paige BroadhurstHer song, 'This is MK', will be released on iTunes on November 1. Photo: Paige Broadhurst (Image: Archant)

Paige Broadhurst entered ‘Song for MK’, a nationwide search for the best song to celebrate Milton Keynes’ 50th anniversary.

The Alderman Peel student decided to enter the contest after seeing it advertised in the town’s newspaper, while visiting her dad, who lives in Milton Keynes.

She won the competition with her track, ‘This is MK’, which will be released on iTunes on November 1.

Paige, who is head girl at the Wells school, said: “I was really interested to enter because although I’d done composition in the past I’d never really had the opportunity to get it recognised.

“When I first sat down to write [the song], I thought I’d find it quite difficult because I wouldn’t usually write about a city.

“However, as soon as I’d started writing I realised I had more ideas than I originally thought I would.

“I ended up finishing the song in about two hours.

Paige added that her inspiration for the piece were her memories of the town, and all her favourite places there.

She said: “I lived in Olney, which is very near to Milton Keynes, for six years and my dad lives in Milton Keynes now.

“I tried to include all my favourite places. There’s so much stuff to do there, so it wasn’t hard finding things to put in.”

Paige aspires to a career in the music industry, and described it as her ultimate aim in life.

She said: “Writing and performing music is my passion and it would be amazing to be able to have that as a job.”

She also had some words of advice for other young musicians, and encouraged others to “keep on writing, and try composing different styles of music to give you a better idea of what you enjoy the most and what you’re best at.”

She added: “Listen to lots of different artists so you can create your own unique sound.”

Paige is studying for her GCSEs at Alderman Peel High School, but the talented student has already completed her music GSCE, taking the exams in Year Nine.

She is also a Grade 8 piano and Grade 5 oboe player, and a member of the National Youth Girls Choir.

Paige will perform her winning song as part of several events to celebrate Milton Keynes’ 50th anniversary.