TALENTED teenager Josh Hughes has two passions in life - singing and songwriting.He is determined to make a career in entertainment and has already had plenty of encouragement from people who have seen him in action, and from the organisers of TV's X Factor.

By Richard Cornwell

TALENTED teenager Josh Hughes has two passions in life - singing and songwriting.

He is determined to make a career in entertainment and has already had plenty of encouragement from people who have seen him in action, and from the organisers of TV's X Factor.

Josh suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but when he is immersed in his music or steps up on stage, his medical problems are overcome and he is completely focused on his singing and he oozes confidence.

Josh's success so far and the way the crowds react to his fine, mature voice are an excellent inspiration to many other youngsters battling daily with ADHD.

His mum Paula Hughes, of Waveney Road, Felixstowe, said: “Josh is so determined - he just won't let anything stop him from realising his dream to become a singer.

“He went along to the X Factor auditions this year and made it down to the last 2,000. He spoke to the producers who felt at this stage his voice was not strong enough for boot camp, but they were very encouraging and positive.

“They said he should come back next year and the extra 12 months would do his voice the world of good.

“Josh is now planning to practice really hard over the next year so he can give it another go. He will not give up.

“The singing is a real help for his ADHD. It has boosted his confidence and self esteem no end.”

Josh, who has a younger sister and four older step-brothers, was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of seven. He began singing about eight years ago and loves all kinds of music, particularly pop but also loves old songs, too.

He took part in karaoke nights and the landlords of Felixstowe's Owl and Pussycat pub were so impressed they gave him his own gig when he was just 13 - an evening when he was top of the bill and could sing his heart out entertaining all the regulars.

He was the star of the show when the family holidayed at Gran Canaria, got to the final of a Stars in Their Eyes talent contest in Lowestoft, sang with a Drifters tribute band, and this year got to the final stages of the South Coast Idol competition.

He has also taken part in the Snape Maltings schools' music festival and performed a rap he had written.

He is inspired by the success of his idol, fellow ADHD sufferer and chart topper Daniel Bedingfield.

ADHD can make Josh hyperactive, very compulsive and impulsive. At one stage he had to have six months off school following problems. He is now attending Parkside School in Ipswich.

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