AN 11-year-old songwriter who performed alongside pop star Rumer at the weekend says her music is inspired by ‘personal experiences’.

Erin Jordan, from Chapelford, was a runner up in the national young songwriter of the year competition with her track Promises.

The song was praised by the judges including singer Tom Odell, who said: “Heartbreaking. 

“This is really strong. Simple and moving.”

She also won praise from Starsailor front man James Walsh and singer songwriter Rumer who added: “Very catchy song, great melody. Simple idea, but very effective!”

The Westbrook Old Hall Primary School pupil was invited to perform at Westfield in London on stage with singer-songwriter Rumer on Sunday.

She said: “I haven’t really performed on a stage before so it was really exciting.

“I got the idea for my song Promises after my friend told me someone had broken a promise somebody made to her but I get most of my inspiration from my personal experiences.

“I was so excited that the judges liked my song and the comments they made about it were great.”

Erin’s mum Ruth said she is very thankful to Erin’s music teacher at her primary school John Oates who encouraged pupils to enter the competition.

She said: “Mr Oates has been really generous with his time and he even came to London to watch Erin perform.

“The school has been brilliant at giving her access to music and recording equipment and Mr Oates helped her record the track for the competition.

“He organised a songwriter to come in and teach year six about writing music.”

Ruth said Erin started playing the guitar three years ago and has been taking her songwriting seriously for the past year.

Erin, who has a nine-year-old brother called Daniel, says her favourite pop stars are Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift, because they play different instruments and write their own songs.

Ruth said: “We took her to see Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour for her birthday and she was such an inspiration to Erin.

“Her grandfather was very musical so maybe that’s where she gets it from – we are just so proud of her.”

Another song, called United, which was recorded by Erin and her friends Evelyn, Leah and Amelia was highly commended by the judges.