TWO talented Cumbrian singers whose voices impressed Sir Tom Jones had to battle for survival in a TV talent show.

Seventeen-year-old Eliza Gutteridge, of Long Marton, near Appleby, went head-to-head on stage with her friend Courtney O'Neil, 21, of Carlisle, on Saturday night's episode of The Voice UK.

Both had made it through the contest's famous blind auditions when legendary Welsh singer Sir Tom picked them by turning his red chair around.

Saturday's battle round saw the Cumbrian pair perform Rachel Platten's 2015 hit Fight Song together on stage - and it was A-level student Eliza, with her distinctive, soulful vocals, who emerged victorious in the close-run contest.

Eliza, who famously has a cardboard cutout of her musical hero Sir Tom, said she was disappointed to see country-influenced singer Courtney leave the show.

"I loved singing with Courtney, who has an amazing voice," said Eliza. "We grew so close and I’m sure we will remain friends. It’s great that we live near each other.”

Such was the girls' warm-hearted camaraderie, Sir Tom told them during rehearsals they needed to toughen up and start acting like rivals on stage. The Green Green Grass of Home singer, who performed at Cartmel Racecourse in 2017, has enlisted former The Voice coach Kylie Minogue to mentor his Team Tom contestants as they prepare for the show's next stage, the knockouts, ahead of the live finals.

Eliza is studying biology, drama and history at Queen Elizabeth School. Penrith, and hopes to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter and working with youngsters with learning disabilities.

She made it through The Voice's blind auditions last month alongside her close school friend Anna Willison-Holt, of Great Strickland, near Penrith. Anna, 17, and Eliza are both taught by singing teacher, Barbara Gilbertson, of Dufton. English and philosophy student Anna was picked by American music producer will.i.am and has yet to appear in the battle rounds.