THE odds have shortened on a sweet-sounding ten-year-old Thundersley girl taking the Christmas number one slot.

Arianna Morgan was placed at 25/1 at the end of last month but now she is at 8/1.

Bookmaker William Hill has put Arianna – who will release a cover of the Fleetwood Mac classic Songbird next month – just behind the eventual X Factor winner and a duet by Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber.

She is even ahead of Adele and One Direction in the race to top the singles chart for Christmas.

A wave of publicity is planned to help propel Arianna to the number one spot. Arianna, of Grangeways, is set to perform at the Southend Christmas lights switch-on, which is being held on November 19.

A day of entertainment is planned in the High Street, and Arianna is set to perform four songs from 5pm.

She is also booked for an interview on Sky News’ morning breakfast programme Sunrise, on November 27.

Arianna’s father Kieran said: “Things are looking good, and we also did a live interview last week with an Irish radio station.

“We are hoping to get some airplay soon.”

The Thundersley Primary School pupil is set to become a huge name in the music industry, and it all started when she performed at a charity gig at the White Hart pub in Thundersley in the summer.

Arianna is also a regular performer the Bowers Social Club in Pitsea, and has lent her vocals to many charity events across south Essex.

Geri Perry, of GBMusicTeam which is promoting Arianna, said: “Arianna is now 8/1 which is brilliant, and the song should be getting radio airplay very soon.

“Arianna is taking it all in her stride, but she is very talented and the performance in Southend will be great for her.

“She will sing a Christmas song and Songbird, as well as two other tracks.

“Everything is very encouraging and things are really coming together.”