A TALENTED performer has been endorsed by a world famous guitar brand after one of her music videos went viral.

Ellie Rialas, 21, from Mark got noticed by Tanglewood Guitars after the music video for her song, 'Real or not real' was viewed more than 10,000 times on YouTube.

The University Centre Weston (UCW) degree student, who plays a Tanglewood Sundance Pro guitar, is being promoted on the company's website and on social media as part of an endorsement campaign.

She said: "It's so important for musicians to make use of online platforms to promote themselves and their work.

“Having a proactive and productive attitude towards social media really helped me to grow my audience and also achieve something that I'm truly proud of.

“It is such a privilege to be associated with Tanglewood Guitars – such a reputable and well-known brand in the music industry.”

Ellie, who is studying Popular Music at UCW, started writing songs at the age of 12 and performed onstage for the first tine when she was 14.

The talented musician performs regularly in venues across Somerset and has also performed in bigger UK venues including the NEC in Birmingham, The Fleece in Bristol and Glastonbury Festival's Pop-up hotel and Sessions bar.

During her time at UCW, Ellie has also recorded in renowned studios including Real World, Modern World and Abbey Road, and her debut album is due to be released later in the year.

A spokesperson for Tanglewood Guitars said: “Our aim is to promote the younger, up and coming players to help them get that little bit of extra promotion and exposure to a wider audience.

“Ellie fitted that bill perfectly and we kindly asked if we could include her on our website – which she happily agreed to.

“We now help promote Ellie by regularly featuring her, along with all of our other young artists, on our social media.”