Singer-songwriter Jessie Ware has been nominated for the prestigious Mercury music prize.

Ms Ware, a former intern at the JC, is on the 12-strong shortlist for the album of the year award alongside leading industry names including Plan B, Richard Hawley and The Maccabees.

Acts including Emeli Sande, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran were ignored by the judges despite enjoying a hugely successful 2012.

Ms Ware said she was “ridiculously happy” to be nominated.

The 26-year-old won critical acclaim for her debut album, Devotion, which entered the charts at number five last month.

Bookies William Hill believe Ms Ware has a medium chance of collecting the title when it is presented later this year – they list her as a 7/1 shot.