Karaoke queen takes her crown

12:55am Sunday 16th November 2008

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MAXINE Boardman was tonight crowned karaoke queen of High Wycombe.

The 27-year-old artist wowed the judges and crowd at a packed Dolphin pub in Totteridge with her rendition of 'Black Velvet' to scoop the top prize of £1,000 and two days in a recording studio.

The competition had been organised by the Wycombe Pub Group to raise money for the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.

Maxine – who was born in High Wycombe but now lives in Aylesbury – said: “It's amazing, I didn't expect to win with the standard being so high.

“I can't wait to get into the studio, it's something I've waited for all my life.”

She said of the song she performed: “It's definitely a favourite – it's one everyone can join in and belt out.”

She added the money would be put towards a trip to Thailand next year – along with “lots of presents for my family this Christmas”.

Singers from as far away as Didcot, Camden and St Albans took part in tonight's contest after winning heats at their favourite pubs.

Maxine was representing the White Lion in Amersham – which she was a regular visitor to when she lived there.

Tonight's event raised more than £1,600 for the Air Ambulance Trust, which relies on £150,000 of donations from the public as it receives no funding the government or National Lottery.

Pat Conafray from the Trust said: “The longer people continue to contribute, the longer the helicopters fly for, and the longer they can go on lifesaving missions.

“People look out for the helicopters now they understand why they are here tonight and why they have donated.”

Jada Vine of the Wycombe Pub Group added she was “really pleased” with the number of people who attended tonight's grand final.