FOLLOWING a last minute call up, Taunton Mezzo Soprano, Claire Barnett-Jones, has scooped a top prize in a prestigious competition.

This year's BBC Cardiff Singer of the World contest featured performers from 15 countries including Russia, South Korea, Mongolia and, for the first time, Madagascar.

The jury was led by Aidan Lang, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, John Gilhooly, Neal Davies, and Roberta Alexander.

Claire had been fixing a fence in her garden and relaxing with her partner and cat Molly when she received a phone call. Within 48 hours she was competing.

The call on Tuesday evening was to say she’d been put on standby to sing in the contest.

By Wednesday morning she received confirmation she would be performing.

With a quick rehearsal and run through with BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Andrew Litton she performed in the fourth round and walked away with the Dame Joan Sutherland Audience Prize.

This award was voted for by the people watching at home and saw Claire scoop £2,500 prize money and a crystal trophy.

The winner of the main prize went to baritone Gihoon Kim who took the Cardiff Trophy and £20,000.

Claire has performed at the Grange Festival, Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne Festival, Wigmore Hall, Birmingham Opera Company and BBC Proms.

Growing up in Somerset, Claire was part of the synchronised swimming team for the County as well as the hockey team.

She performed in the Somerset Youth Orchestra, National Children’s Orchestra, Viola Section and Somerset Hills Barbershop.