BRITAIN'S Got Talent finalist Michael Collings was a surprise singing sensation at a New Year's Eve party at his former local pub.

Revellers were amazed when the singer arrived, picked up his guitar, and began to entertain them at The Notter Bridge Inn near Saltash.

The singer's spectacular rise to fame began just 12 months ago when he won a talent competition at the pub.

Michael's initial TV appearance was dubbed by Britain's Got Talent (BGT) judge Amanda Holden as a 'Susan Boyle' moment.

At the time he was living in a caravan park with his parents and working part time as a barman for his neighbours at the Notter Inn, landlords Alan and Sarah Collings (no relation).

The 19-year-old former trainee computer engineer went on to finish fifth in the TV series and has since been on tour with the programme and in the studio recording new material.

'We haven't seen him very much since his whirlwind success,' said landlord Alan.

'Michael was working for us when he won our own amateur talent contest, but what's happened since has been incredible.'

Michael said: 'The past year has been like nothing we could have imagined. My fiancee, Sarah McLeish, and I have moved from our caravan into a new home in Plymouth with our little boy, Jamie.

'I've played at venues all over the country. It's been surreal but it had nothing on this weekend. It was just so nice to go back to the Notter and meet up with all my friends again. Singing for them was just a bonus!'

Michael, who released a version of Fast Car before Christmas, is back in the studio working on new material.