SHE was the first person selected for TV's newest singing competition. However, unlike programmes like X Factor and Pop Idol, Edgware woman Pauline Price was chosen to appear on a show called Can't Sing Singers.

To some, it might have seemed like a dubious distinction but for Pauline, of Dorset Drive, it was "simply fantastic".

Pauline will not be told to pack her bags and leave following a withering put-down from an acid-tongued judge. On the contrary,she was chosen for the BBC1 series because she has an awful voice.

She said: "I love dancing, but i've never done any singing before. When I heard about a new TV series for people who enjoy singing but aren't necessarily that good, I was straight on the phone."

During the telephone interview in August, Pauline wowed BBC chiefs by unexpectedly bursting into song.

"At first they laughed, but then they said they liked my style and told me to send in a video. I decided to sing one of my favourites, I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair."

It went down a storm. Pauline, who works in a box office at a West End theatre, was promptly invited to attend an interview. Visions of starring in a musical instead of selling tickets to them flashed before her.

She said: "I was so excited.There were hundreds of people there, so I didn't know what to expect. When they told me that I'd got through I was amazed. But when I realised I was the first one chosen, I felt really proud."

The early evening show, which began last Saturday, features teams of 12 would-be singers from London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Liverpool.

The London line-up will receive expert coaching from pop guru Daniel Thomas, who had a top three hit in 1999 with a cover of Bee Gees favourite You Should Be Dancing.

They will work as a team and have just five weeks to master their designated song before performing in a live TV gala show where the British public will vote to decide a winner.

Pauline said: "We have been rehearsing once a week since September. It's hard work but already I can hear the benefits. Daniel is great to work with. He has taught me so much.

"When I first met him at the auditions I sang All That Jazz and he said I had charisma. I was delighted."

The fly-on-the-wall style programme will follow the hopefuls in the run up to their big day. Pauline is happy with the way rehearsals are going and confidently predicts a London victory.

"We will win, I'm sure of it. After all, London is where all the talent is! We all get on very well and I've made some great friends already."

Keen to steal a march on his rivals, Daniel has taken his team "on tour" to boost their confidence.

Pauline said: "We performed at the Hackney Empire and also sang gospel at St Mary's Church, in Islington. We did Lean On Me and it went well. I'd never sung on stage so it was daunting beforehand, but as soon as I'm up there I lose all my nerves and really enjoy it. I just love performing."

Pauline developed her taste for entertaining people when she was a tour manager.

"I would often get up and dance and work the crowd," she said. "It broke the ice and encouraged others to do the same."

Pauline hopes to get similar attention on our TV screens and would ultimately love to sing in musicals.

She said: "It's a great show. People might think we're all going to be terrible but none of us are tone deaf. I don't know where it will take me, but it's already helped change my attitude, not to mention my hair!"

Can't Sing Singers, Saturdays, BBC1, 5.40pm.