Manx harpist Mera Royle has joined three other nominees in the final of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards.

The 18-year-old from Ramsey was chosen from hundreds of other young musicians by judges including folk music stars Eliza Carthy, and Tim Van Ekyen this week.

The awards evening is being held at the Waterfront Concert Hall in Belfast on April 4, and will be presented by star of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show, Mark Radcliffe.

Mera will be flying the Manx flag in the Young Folk Award category against other up and coming folk musicians, Jack Warnock, Josiah & Ludwig and The Drystones.

Having initially been one of hundreds to apply, she was chosen from a shortlist of 10 by judges including folk music legend Tim Van Ekyen.

To reach this stage, she initially sent in a recording of her playing, after encouragement from her tutor, Rachael Hair.

Mera has previously said: ’I sent off an audio clip of myself playing, not expecting anything of it.’

However, now she has attended a residential weekend and performed live in front of a judging panel, showcasing a range of traditional Manx music and some music she composed herself.

Culture Vannin took to Twitter to congratulate Mera saying: ’She did it! She did it!

’The brilliant young Manx harpist, Mera Royle, is through to the final of the BBC Folk Awards.’

If she were to win, Mera would join Lauren MacColl, The Black Cat Theory and Tim Van Ekyen as winners of the prestigious award.

The winners will also get the chance to play at major folk festivals across the UK and perform live on television at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Mera will not be alone travelling from these shores as other Manxies are also in the running for awards in Belfast.

Thomas Callister from Peel and Adam Rhodes who grew up in the island and now lives in Glasgow are up for the Horizon Award with their band Imar.

The Horizon Award is for best emerging artist or artists on the scene who have debuted, made a significant increase in their popularity or a special impression during the last 12 months.

And Jamie Smith, a Welshman who now lives in the island and his band Alaw are nominated in the Best Traditional Track category.