TWO Eden Valley girls have vowed to continue their musical journey after bowing out from TV talent show The Voice UK.

Seventeen-year-olds Eliza Gutteridge, of Long Marton, near Appleby, and Anna Willison-Holt, of Great Strickland, missed out on places in the live finals after losing in Saturday night's knockout show.

The upper-sixth formers put Queen Elizabeth School, Penrith, firmly on the map after making it through to the talent show's final 24 - and their success has been warmly praised by their singing teacher Barbara Gilbertson, of Dufton.

"The fact they've got so far in this national competition is testament to just how naturally talented and hard-working they are," said Barbara. "It has been a real treat to watch them grow musically over the years.

"I have to admit, I have been on tenterhooks every Saturday night, but the reality is Eliza and Anna deserve all of this success and recognition because they are both so dedicated to their craft and perfecting their technique. I wish them both all the luck in the world."

Friends Anna and Eliza say they are both determined to forge careers in the music business, and Saturday's show saw them give confident and assured performances.

Anna's rendition of Stevie Wonder's Master Blaster, impressed the judges and her coach, Black Eyed Peas founder will.i.am, said she had one of the strongest voices in the competition.

Eliza performed Don't Kill My Vibe by Sigrid, and her coach Sir Tom Jones told her: "You have a wonderful sounding voice. It is a tremendous instrument. That song felt like it was made for you, like it was written for you.”

Eliza, who will be singing at The Warehouse, Penrith, on Saturday, April 14, said: "My experience on The Voice is one I’ll remember and cherish for the rest of my life. I’ve learned so much about myself as an artist and feel I have developed musically over such a short period of time. I can’t wait to continue on my musical journey.

"The friendships I have made, especially on Team Tom, will, I’m sure, last a lifetime and that is really special."

She added: "Sharing my experience with my dear friend Anna and meeting my crush and idol Sir Tom Jones was the icing on the cake!”

Anna said auditioning for The Voice was "the best decision of my life so far", adding: "I’ve grown as an artist and met some unforgettable people so there is only happiness coming from this experience. Even though Eliza and I are gutted that our Voice journey has ended, this is most certainly not the end of our musical journey. This is just the beginning."

Anna’s parents Helen and Andrew Willison-Holt, and Eliza’s parents Yvonne Eardley and Nick Gutteridge, issued a joint statement thanking the whole team on The Voice UK for being "incredibly supportive to our wonderful daughters".

"As parents we couldn't be more proud of Eliza and Anna," they said. "From the start to the end of their time on The Voice, they have worked hard, gained invaluable experience and above all enjoyed every minute. This, of course, is only the beginning of both their musical careers."