A TEENAGE girl who suffers behavioural problems is in with a chance of winning her own record deal - after being inspired by her cousin's success on TV series Pop Idol.

Jacquie Anderson, mother of 13-year-old Stacey, says her daughter's life has been "transformed" by the smash ITV series.

Before Pop Idol, Stacey, of Clifton Moor, had seen her life blighted by Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder.

She had behavioural problems, could rarely concentrate and had in the past been temporarily excluded from schools.

But seeing her cousin, Sandi McCash from Dundee, make it to the Pop Idol final 50 spurred her on to sing, and she now has a real chance of becoming a Pop Idol herself.

Jacquie, who, aged 16, appeared on TV as a dancer with 80s girl group Bananarama, said: "She would record Pop Idol and watch it over and over again, singing along to all the songs.

"We realised then what an amazing voice she had, so when she begged us to take her to an audition which Stacey saw advertised in The Stage, and we thought why not."

It wasn't until "very recently" that Stacey had her first singing lesson, added 31-year-old Jacquie.

After the audition, Stacey went to a recording studios in Croydon to be checked out by record label boss Steve Parkes.

He liked what he saw, and late last month put Stacey on a shortlist of artists that could go on to win an independent label record deal and publishing contract.

She has demo tracks recorded onto CD, and will sing her first live York date on June 29 at Lakeside School Summer Fair.

Stacey, who says her musical heroes are Will Young, Britney Spears and cousin Sandi, said she is "not really nervous" about her chance of fame.

She said: "Sometimes you feel a bit nervous but when I get up in front of loads of people it turns into a real buzz.

"I can't believe what has happened, I think it is brilliant. Sandi is really thrilled for me too, and that means a lot to me."

Steve Parkes said: "We have shortlisted people on the grounds of being able to perform in the studio. Stacey has displayed an impressive voice and an original sound, which is what we are looking for.

"With the right original product she has the potential to go further."

And Trafford Reeder, who owns the York studio where Stacey recorded her version of Will Young's Evergreen, said: "We have been sending her CDs all over the place, the feedback has been massively impressive."

Stacey is heading to London to record a TV showcase on July 14 and 28, and needs backing dancers.

Jacquie has decided to recruit the dancers in York, and needs three girls and three boys aged between 12 and 16.

Auditions are on Sunday. Anyone interested should ring Jacquie on 01904 479455.

Updated: 08:57 Friday, May 24, 2002