WHEN Howard Grater takes to the stage he is not only representing his home town, but following a bit of a family tradition.

The 24-year-old singer who grew up in Arncott, near Bicester, has won a place in the area final of the Open Mic UK contest, under the stage name Mister Bicester.

And it’s not the first time someone in the Grater household has used the title — his mother Mandy, of Green Lane, Arncott, was Miss Bicester in 1979.

Former Cooper School pupil Mr Grater, who now lives in Brentford, is an actor and a singer/songwriter and has been honing his soul/indie/rock style.

He was one of thousands of people, aged 16 and over, who entered the nationwide talent contest hoping to win a recording contract.

Mr Grater will be aiming to impress judges at the area final in Hayes, Middlesex, on November 20.