A YORK mum has beaten stiff competition on a prime-time TV show to win a dream holiday to see her favourite band.

Sam Palmer, 31, of Clifton Moor, York, is also in the running to be crowned Sing It Back Lyric Champion 2007 after her impressive performance on Saturday night's show put her into the grand final this weekend.

The former dental nurse, who used to sing in pub cover bands when she lived in Billericay, Essex, will win £10,000 if she takes the coveted title.

She said: "I can't believe it. I've always had a good memory for song lyrics, they just seem to sink in, but I never thought it was a talent that would actually win me anything."

The ITV1 show is hosted by Radio One DJs JK and Joel, with Radio Two presenter Paul Gambaccini as the judge, and aims to find the contestant with the best knowledge of song lyrics. Sam said: "We heard parts of songs, but then the music stopped and we had to sing either the next line or sometimes the one before.

"There were four different rounds and it was pretty hard-going because they were really strict on accuracy. I was absolutely terrified before going on."

Sam, who has a two-year-old daughter Edie, was chosen to appear on the show after getting through a tough audition in Newcastle.

She said: "I only got two lyrics right out of three at the audition, so I thought that I would never hear back from them. When I got the call I thought they'd made a mistake.

"They told me they were going for personality as well knowledge of lyrics, and I think when they saw me they thought I was somebody who wouldn't mind making a fool of myself.

"I'm always singing about the house and I sing to my daughter all the time. It must drive her mad.

"The prize is fantastic. I've won two VIP tickets to see a band of my choice anywhere in the world, so I've chosen to go and see The Cure play at Hollywood Bowl, in California. It's like a dream."

Sam will now battle it out with two other heat winners in the grand final - to be screened this Saturday on ITV1 at 6.40pm.