WHEN talented teenager Josh Hughes gets up on stage he oozes confidence and fizzles with passion for his singing.The medical disorder which he battles daily to keep in check just disappears - and the crowds cannot wait to hear more of his fine mature voice.

WHEN talented teenager Josh Hughes gets up on stage he oozes confidence and fizzles with passion for his singing.

The medical disorder which he battles daily to keep in check just disappears - and the crowds cannot wait to hear more of his fine mature voice.

Now Josh, who suffers from ADHD, wants to step up his ambition to become a top singer and is looking for a band to join.

His mum, Paula Hughes of Waveney Road, Felixstowe said: “When people hear his voice they cannot believe he is only 15.

“It is such a mature voice and he learns the songs so well - he is very dedicated to his singing and has a real professional approach.”

Joshua just loves performing in front of people and started singing at events a few years ago, and really enjoys karaoke.

Landlords of Felixstowe's Owl and Pussycat pub were so impressed with him 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 and entertain 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, and sang with a Drifters tribute band.

Last weekend he appeared at the Snape Maltings schools' music festival and sang a rap he had written followed by a slow song and received a standing ovation.

Mrs Hughes said: “What he needs now is to be able to sing in a band so that he can practice and perform regularly.

“Singing is his life and he really would love to become a singer.

“That is his ambition and he is very determined.

“He loves pop and learns all the new music, but also loves old songs, too, so he is really adaptable.

“The singing is a real help, too, for his ADHD. When he is singing he is totally focussed and absorbed and nothing else matters. It has boosted his confidence and self-esteem no end.

“The only problem he has is that he is a little bit dyslexic so he has to memorise all the words of the songs.”

Josh, who has a sister Sophie, twelve, and four older step brothers, was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at the age of seven. He began singing about six years ago and loves all kinds of music. He is particularly inspired by the success of his idol, fellow ADHD sufferer, 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 now attends Parkside School in Ipswich and has settled really well.

As well as looking for a band to sing with, he is also willing to get involved in any projects raising money for people with learning disabilities.

Any bands who would like to get in touch with Josh can contact him on 01394 276845 or 07985 362471. He is particularly keen to hear from bands in their late teens or 20s.

FAST FACTS: Josh's favourite music

Will Young

Temptations

Daniel Bedingfield

James Blunt

Spandau Ballet

Westlife

Lonestar