Weston College student in X Factor fame

A FORMER Weston College student who swapped graphic design for the guitar is wowing audiences on the X-Factor.

George Shelley, 19, completed a BTEC Extended Diploma in Graphic Design and shortly afterwards auditioned for the show.

He got through the preliminary rounds but was ejected from the show's 'Boot Camp' phase. However, judge Louis Walsh intervened and asked him to join the three-piece Triple J.

The group were at the 'Judges' Houses' stage, so singer and guitarist George travelled to Las Vegas to meet the rest of the band. They hit it off, changed their name to 'Union J' and have now been put through to this weekend's live show.

George said: "I'm having the most amazing time right now. We're rehearsing intensively for this weekend and I can hardly believe it's all happening, especially as I didn't make it through boot camp.

"I was so lucky to get another shot at it, and to get to Las Vegas. The guys in Union J are wicked. We've bonded really well and I'm so looking forward to this weekend."

George, from Clevedon, said he'd considered taking a gap year between BTEC and Foundation Degree levels before the X-Factor opportunity came along.

He said: "I had a great time at Weston College and my tutors were fantastic. I got the chance to go to New York while on the course and that was very memorable.

"Now I'm just hoping that Union J will go as far as possible, and we'll see what opportunities come up for us."

George's tutor Racheal Heath said: "I am so proud of George; he has such talent and determination, I wish him so much luck and all the votes he could wish for."