Shropshire’s biggest singing sensation today took time out to wish readers across the county a very Merry Christmas.

Star Melanie Nakhla, from Shrewsbury, and her classical group All Angels are looking forward to spending the festive day with their families.

Melanie said she enjoyed being able to show friends Charlotte Ritchie, Daisy Chute and Laura Wright where she grew up.

The quartet visited Shrewsbury when the girls performed at Carols in the Square on Wednesday.

Melanie said a lot had changed since Christmas Day last year, with the group’s plans for 2007 including a tour in Europe and maybe even Japan.

She said: “It’s absolutely amazing but I’m glad to be home. I’m very proud to be a Shropshire lass.”

Fellow band member Charlotte said: “She won’t shut up about Shropshire.”

The girls said they would be pleased to see their cover version of Robbie William’s Angels reach the top 20 for Christmas and said it was not a battle against X-factor star Leona to reach the number one spot.

Melanie, who will turn 18 during the festive period, said: “X-Factor was very good. I say good luck to her. She’s done so well and I think she’s got a really good career ahead of her. We do not think we are in competition with her.”

Melanie hopes to get a digital camera for Christmas so she can take pictures of all the places the girls go to in the new year to keep a record of her time as an Angel.

She said: “I celebrated Christmas in Shrewsbury last year but looking back on how much has happened since last year is unbelievable. Merry Christmas to everyone in Shropshire.”