Laura Crutwell, 14, and Regan Shovlin, 15, love nothing more than entertaining audiences with their singing abilities.

The pair, who described their act as "indie-style", have been singing for the last two years and have weekly lessons from their coach, Sunderland-based Kayleigh Linstedt.

The selfless Year 10 St Wilfrid's pupils regularly give up their free time for local charity events and are on a mission to raise £3,500 to let Regan to travel to India in July as part of the World Challenge Team, where she will work in an orphanage.

The girls' parents are so proud of their hard work and dedication they've both nominated them in the Pride of South Tyneside Awards' Young Performers Of The Year Category.

Laura's mum Maria Crutwell, from Callum Drive, in South Shields, said: "While they are quite young, these are two motivated individuals who take great pride in their singing and show true commitment.

"Even though Regan is not going to India, she goes along and supports Laura.

"At a recent fundraising event at Morrison's store in Seaburn, they raised £322, and Regan allowed her to keep all the money for the trip. I'm very proud of both the girls."

Regan's mum Jo-ann Cauwood, from Sorrel Gardens, South Shields, added: "It's really nice to see two teenage girls contributing and making a difference to others.

"The girls sang over the Christmas period and one woman actually thought they were famous, while another said they had brought tears to her eyes by singing her favourite song."

The girls, who have been friends for four years are now working toward Caroline Oliver's School Of Dance – One Night Only at the Sunderland Empire on March 31.

Laura said: "We're really thrilled that we've been nominated and hope to be able to perform in the talent show."

Regan added: "We sing indie-style music, which is a lot different to what the other girl duets appear to be singing at the moment, so we feel that they have a unique style."