A 12-year-old girl from Four Marks has had her songwriting talents recognised.

Proud Zoe Efstathiou came out top out of 500 entrants in a Song Academy competition to discover young lyricists and musical artists.

As well as picking up wonderful prizes, Zoe has been given the chance to record her song, All She Has to Do, at a London studio under the musical direction of Paul Standborough, who has worked with top artists such as Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue.

A pupil at St Swithun’s School in Winchester, Zoe may be a bit overwhelmed being thrust into the world of recording studios which could lead to her song becoming a commercial hit, according to mum Victoria, who said: “She doesn’t want the fame, she just loves composing songs.”

Zoe, whose father, Andras, is Greek, has been making music since she was eight and is also a talented pianist and guitar player.

It was through her school that Zoe joined the Song Academy. “It’s a wonderful club that builds confidence in songwriting and allows you to express yourself powerfully,” said Victoria.

Zoe was selected as a finalist out of 400 brilliant young songwriters. The judging panel included Tom Odell, Guy Chambers, and Imelda May.

She won a certificate, a keyboard, tickets to see the Carole King musical in London, and a studio date to record her song.

Zoe has also been invited to sing and play her music at the Westfield shopping centre in London.

“Although it was inspired by someone she knew who had mental health problems, Zoe has written a song that is full of sunshine, it folksy, uplifting and designed to help someone with such a problem,” said Victoria.

“She finds writing and playing songs good therapy and she enjoys going to the Song Academy, which is an after-school club.”

When not playing or composing or taking music lessons, Zoe plays tennis at Four Marks Tennis Club and writes a blog.