Sharon's right on time for Pudsey

A Northern Ireland woman is hoping to be right on time for the BBC's Children in Need.

Sharon McKibben from Lisburn has made it through to the final 15 in a nationwide competition to become the new voice of the BT Speaking Clock.

Keeping track of time is Lisburn woman Sharon McKibbin

The 35-year-old was one of 18,400 people from across the United Kingdom to take part in the contest - and the only finalist from Northern Ireland.

The competition was officially launched by BBC Children in Need and Brian Cobby, 77, who has been the voice of the Speaking Clock for almost 21 years.

Sharon, a finance manager, said she never thought anyone from Northern Ireland would have a chance of winning the competition, but she and a colleague decided to have a go.

"We listened to the Speaking Clock a couple of times, just to get an idea of how it sounded and then dialled the number," she said.

"I only had 10 seconds to record my voice and that was it.

Facts about the Speaking Clock It has ticked 24-hours a day, seven days a week since 24 July 1936 Its accuracy is within five thousandths of a second The world's most famous clock, Big Ben, checks its time with the BT Speaking Clock

"I thought if nothing else, at least I have helped Children in Need through the phone call, but never thought I would get through. That was three weeks ago and I had put it out of my head.

"I could not believe it when I got the call last Friday to say I was down to the last 100 and then the other day when I got a call to say I was in the final 15.

"I just think it's great for Northern Ireland even to be in with a chance of becoming the voice of the Speaking Clock!"

Established in 1936, the Speaking Clock has only ever had three "permanent" voices, so the lucky winner will take his or her place in history.

This year's Children in Need is taking place on 17 November

The new voice will go live in the New Year.

Sharon will find out if she has won the competition on Friday 17 November during this year's Children in Need on BBC One.

Presenters include John Daly, Donna Traynor and Christine Bleakley as well as Terry Wogan, Natasha Kaplinsky and Fearne Cotton.

Television cameras will be out and about across Northern Ireland at venues including the Hotel Carlton in Belleek; Ocean Night Club, Warrenpoint; The Everglades Hotel, Londonderry; The Charlemont Arms Hotel, Armagh, and at Omagh College.

There will be musical performances from some of the biggest names in pop and a host of stars will be doubling up with famous singing faces to duet in the BBC's Blackstaff studios in Belfast.

To make a donation to this year's BBC Children in Need, call 0845 733 2233 or log on to: www.bbc.co.uk/ni/pudsey