A BOURNEMOUTH teenager is being tipped for stardom by music channel MTV.

Former Highcliffe School pupil Ebony Day is the first ever unsigned act to win MTV’s Brand New award, a viewer-led search for the UK’s best new music.

Previous recipients of the award include Conor Maynard, Jessie J and Justin Bieber.

Ebony is a student at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford and will return to her hometown to visit students at the ACMR in Bournemouth on Thursday, March 28. She will perform her new single and hold a question and answer session with students.

Dan Stephens, of ACMR, said: “It’s such a privilege for Ebony to visit us at this amazing point in her career.

“Our students will have an unprecedented opportunity to spend time listening to and learning from an artist who is destined to become a household name.

“Her knowledge of the music industry is so valid and current and we can't thank Ebony and her team enough for giving up their time so generously.”

The 19-year-old turned to music after being confined to her home as a result of food allergies.

Forced to miss a lengthy period of school, she began to play guitar and sing.

She uploaded her own songs and cover versions on to YouTube and has built a large fanbase, with her videos being viewed more than 19 million times.

She beat off established artists to win the MTV award and her music will now be played by the influential television channel.

She said: “I’m so overwhelmed that my fans have made this win possible for me. It’s all down to their ongoing support and hard work that I have won. This is a dream come true for me, I’ve never been happier.”