A GIFTED singer has wowed people all over the world with free concerts in the back garden of her Winsford home.

Sophie Bond has attracted more than 400,000 views as she has been performing every week on Facebook during the lockdown.

"It's been so exciting, "said Sophie, 25, who lives off Delamere Street in Winsford. "I just thought I'd put on a little gig to cheer everyone up during this difficult time.

"Around 1,500 people stay with me for the full hour. One man sits on his roof and listens. I’ve been getting messages from all over the world telling me I've helped them with their day.

"One man and his wife in Dubai said they love my voice, personality and positive attitude. He said I've got a very strong following out there, I'm the Vera Lynn of this crisis. I'm really humbled."

Sophie's stunning voice moved thousands of people to tears when she sang You'll Never Walk Alone outside Leighton Hospital as crowds of clapped and cheered the NHS last Thursday.

More than 140,000 people have now watched her tear-jerking performance.

"It was way more emotional than I expected," said the former St Nicholas Catholic High School pupil. "One of the doctors said sick people on the wards could hear it. It's one of those songs that brings everyone together."

Sophie turned professional when she was only 14 and has been singing since she was eight.

Northwich Guardian:

Talented singer Sophie turned professional when she was only 14

Mum Diane took her all over the country as she competed in talent shows.

After graduating in musical theatre from the University of Central Lancashire, Sophie travelled the world performing on cruise ships and across Texas.

In 2011 she wowed judges on ITV's The X Factor and madit it through to the final 16 girls in bootcamp.

In August, she releases her first single though the details are being kept under wraps.

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"I did want to be a worldwide singer but now I just care about making people smile," said Sophie."I love singing everything from pop and country to motown classics. I try and cater for everyone.

"To have just one song in the charts would be enough for me.

"I have suffered with mental health myself in the past but now I am so lucky making people happy with my voice. So many people say I have lightened their mood and that means a lot to me."

Sophie has won much acclaim on social media.

Tracy Burrows said: "This lovely young lady is a credit to our town. She is special in so many ways and has touched the hearts of hundreds of thousands."

Lesley Millington said: "What an amazing voice you have."

Joanne Wilshaw added:"You always put a smile on my face."

To watch Sophie's live gigs visit Sophie Bond vocalist on Facebook.