Pop hopeful, George Swan was cheated of his shot at stardom by illness as a teenager.

But now he has been given a second chance - after winning a national competition.

George Swan, 26, has beaten more than 1,000 other singers to win a competition organised by the Hungry Horse pub chain.

Along the way, he impressed Five star Scott Robinson so much he signed George to his management company.

For George, success is all the sweeter because he missed out on an important opportunity eight years ago.

"I had a record deal with Warner Brothers when I was 18, but I was too ill to record," said George.

"This is fantastic, it feels like a second chance.

"The guys are great. I'm recording my own stuff and some co-written with Scott. I'm hoping to approach record labels in the next couple of months."

Five singer Scott, 27, from Basildon, said: "I'm behind George all the way.

"He has a great voice and I think he has a good chance of doing really well."

George is now in the studio with producer Pete Booker, who has worked with stars including Boy George, N'Sync, Kim Marsh, B*witched and Lucie Silvas.

Booker, who has worked in the industry for more than 20 years, said: "When I was approached by Scott I knew this would be a worthwhile project.

"The management are behind George like a rocket. His delivery is so good."

George, of Glebe Road, Ramsden Bellhouse, took home £5,000 for winning the H-Factor talent competition final in Stevenage.

He got to the final after winning three heats at the Four Seasons pub, in Victoria Road, Laindon.

Judges were impressed with his renditions of pop favourites My Girl and Right Here Waiting.

He is now signed to Killer Management - set up by Scott Robinson and best friend Billy Lee four months ago.

The pair watched George performing from backstage during the H-Factor final.