SOUTH Ockendon's 18-year-old songbird Grace Holden came close to winning tonight's final of ITV's 'The Voice' but in the end finished as runner up.

However, there was some consolation for Thurrock music fans as the winning act, 23-year-old Craig Eddie, was mentored by East Tilbury's international singing star Anne-Marie.

The competition was an emotional roller-coaster for Grace, Grace, who attended South Essex College and had told the millions of viewers haw she had been motivated to be a signer by her mum Shirley, who died five years ago from cancer.

Throughout the competition, and at tonight's live final she was supported by dad Daryl and her older brothers Joe and Max.

Grace made it through to the final two in tonight's final, after her opening song and then a duet with her mentor, another Essex musical icon Ollie Murs.

However, at the end of the day she was pipped in the viewers' vote but spoke about what the competition has meant to her. "I've had the best time!", she said.

Read about Grace's journey here.