Andrew in touching distance of X Factor dream

Dubbed by many as the most improved in the talent show, Andrew Lawson, who grew up in Lisburn and attended Ballymacash Primary school before his family emigrated when he was six years of age, has wowed audiences, judges and mentors to catapult him to the top of the competition.

The 18-year-old said he breathed a sigh of relief as his name was called out on Monday night, advancing him to the top three.

Andrew opened the show with Billy Joel's hit "Uptown Girl and later sang Frank Sinatra's classic "Something Stupid" as he returned to his cool, charismatic, crooner style.

"I was terrified," he said. "I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I just hoped I would make it to the final."

Andrew said it was hard to believe he was still in the competition. Although he had hoped he would get this far, it was just a dream at the beginning.

"It has been the experience of a lifetime. I can't thank everyone enough for keeping me in the competition," he said. "I hoped I would be here - it is incredible."

The Lawson family ran a butchers shop in Bridge Street before emigrating in 1998. Andrew's dad, Harry Lawson, introduced him to musical legends and now Andrew aspires to become as famous as his idols Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

Stephen Gray, the principal of Andrew's old school, Ballymacash Primary, said the school is very proud of him. Mr Gray commented: "Before emigrating to New Zealand Andrew was in Ballymacash for his reception year and part of Primary 1. Mrs Orr his reception teacher still remembers Andrew as a bright pleasant happy young boy, who had confidence and a great sense of humour - a charmer in the making.

"It is always great to hear of the achievements of former pupils and from all of the staff and pupils at Ballymacash Primary School we wish Andrew every success in the final stages of the competition."

Jenny Dunlop, Andrew's thrilled aunt says Lisburn people can show their support for Andrew by sending an SMS text with Andrew's name to 0061 1977 8888 between 10am and midnight on Sunday November 21.

Andrew with his family in Lisburn.

Andrew at his father's butcher's shop in Bridge Street before the family emigrated.

Even from Andrew's early days in reception class in Lisburn,he was already showing signs of being a performer US4610 ANDREW 3

Children from Ballymacash Primary showing their support for former pupil Andrew by forming a giant X in the school grounds this week.

The song which Andrew got onto X-Factor with was 'Fly me to the Moon' so two P1 pupils at Ballymacash are hoping he goes all the way to the moon in his quest for success.