Prince in tune with young ambition

The Prince's Trust has donated £5,000 to help Tracy

Prince Charles has backed a Welsh singer to the tune of £5,000 so she can launch her career on the internet.

Tracy Welsh, aged 18, was awarded the cash by the Prince's Trust - the organisation set up by Charles in 1976 to give young people opportunities to succeed.

The young performer from Swansea approached the Trust after her local job centre told to forget her dream of becoming a top singer and become a hairdresser instead.

I hope to be as famous as Whitney Houston one day

Aspiring star Tracy Welsh

When trust staff interviewed the determined teenager, they were so impressed with her determination that they handed over the money to kick-start her career.

Tracy used the money to set up a website - Tracy pictured on her website www.thestarmaker.com - to promote her new CD called 'Recognition'.

Visitors to the site can buy the CD for £5 and can even listen to the 14 tracks before they make their purchase.

"This was a real boost for me," said Tracy.

"I hope to be as famous as Whitney Houston one day - if it happens then I've got Prince Charles to thank."