A 79-YEAR-OLD woman who wowed judges of TV singing competition the X Factor has won a place in the final 12 contestants.

Joy Philippou performed in front of judges Simon Cowell and Sharon Osborne in the second round of the competition in Manchester on June 25 after being chosen from 1,000 hopefuls in the first round earlier this month.

Dr Philippou, of Denbridge Road, Bickley, is a retired doctor of philosophy who used to lecture at Sussex University, Brighton.

The President of the Body, Mind and Soul International, a society dedicated to promoting holistic health and well being, was chosen from 35,000 hopefuls to go to the boot camp along with eleven others in August.

Between August 5 and 17 the author of 16 self-help philosophy books who impersonates Maria Callas and Edith Piaf when she sings, will have to sing five songs in five different styles.

However it was her rendition of Ave Maria impersonating a violin with her voice that really left the judges lost for words.

Dr Philippou said: "I want people to see me and know they can keep themselves healthy and don't have to be afraid of growing old."