TEENAGER Joshua Hughes is refusing to let a medical disorder get in the way of his first love – and his ambition to become a top singer.Joshua, 13, who suffers from ADHD, just loves performing in front of people and those who have heard him sing at events and his regular turns at the karaoke have been amazed at his fine voice for one so young.

TEENAGER Joshua Hughes is refusing to let a medical disorder get in the way of his first love – and his ambition to become a top singer.

Joshua, 13, who suffers from ADHD, just loves performing in front of people and those who have heard him sing at events and his regular turns at the karaoke have been amazed at his fine voice for one so young.

Now a Felixstowe pub which has been so impressed by his efforts is giving him his own gig, an evening where he can will be top of the bill and sing his heart out and entertain all the regulars.

Assistant manager at the Owl and Pussycat pub, Gemma Rattle said: "He is fantastic – when you hear his voice it makes you hairs stand up on end.

"It is amazing and I have never heard a voice like that from a youngster. He has such confidence, too – it takes a lot of guts to get up and sing in front of everyone and he just enjoys it so much.

"We are hoping that when he does his concert here it will just be packed out."

Joshua, a student at Deben High School, suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which has caused him problems at school and left him with few friends.

But his mum Paula and dad portworker Tony Hughes, of Waveney Road, Felixstowe, say his singing has helped immensely in boosting his confidence and helping him to focus on something positive.

"The ADHD makes him hyperactive, very compulsive, impulsive, and he had six months off school following some problems," said Mrs Hughes.

"Now though he is back at school and everything is going really well and the teachers are being absolutely fantastic with him.

"Singing is his real love though and when he is singing he is so focussed. It helps his self-esteem and gives him so much confidence. The only problem he has is that he is a little bit dyslexic so he has to memorise all the words of the songs."

Joshua, who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of seven, began singing about five years ago and loves all kinds of music.

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

As well as his regular karaoke nights, 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, and sang with a Drifters tribute band.

"He has a real talent and everyone who hears him cannot believe it – they say he has a wonderful voice," said Mrs Hughes.

Joshua – who has a sister Sophie, ten, and four older step brothers – would love to record a CD and take up a career in the music business.

He will perform his concert at the Owl and Pussycat, Grange Farm Avenue, Felixstowe, on Monday November 29 at 8pm with Smokey Karaoke providing the music. All are welcome.