SHARPEN those nails, kittens the claws are out! Kerry Catona's teen rival is set to take the pop world by storm, single-handedly.

Star-struck Padgate teenager Michelle McManus took on Kerry in classroom feuds at high school and now she's hoping to knock her off the top of the charts.

And it was watching her former Padgate High School classmate Kerry propel to stardom that inspired 19-year-old Michelle to kick-start her own singing career.

"I used to be at loggerheads with her about who was the best looking girl in the school, and the lads used to chose between the two of us.

"When I saw Kerry, I thought 'God I can do it if she can.'''

Michelle has been polishing her singing skills for the last two years, and has recently worked with a number of bands in London before returning to Padgate to find a contract.

Her demo tapes already feature on the play lists of north-west nightspots and she's waiting with bated breath for a record deal so she can hit the charts.

Inspired by Janet Jackson and girl trio Sweet Female Attitude, Michelle doesn't just want people to see her as an image.

She views her career as a full-time, all-singing, all-dancing commitment. Michelle pays for her own dancers and designs her own routines, buys her own outfits and equipment and even pays for time in the studio in a bid to break into stardom.

And when she makes it, she wants to give something back to the people of Warrington.

"I want to make a difference to Warrington. I want to give the town a good reputation and make sure Warrington people are seen how they really are. There's lots of talent around at the moment and I want people to get noticed," said Michelle.

Michelle is looking for local companies to provide her with sponsorship to help her fulfil her dream, and is waiting for potential managers and record companies to get in touch.

Either contact the GUARDIAN or Michelle's website on www.micha-mc.com, or catch her at Mr Smith's for a guest appearance on December 5.