Newcomer Molly Smitten-Downes has been picked to sing for the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The rising star was found through the BBC Introducing platform and she will head to Denmark on May 10 to try to win Eurovision for her country.

Smitten-Downes will play the track 'Children of the Universe', which was written specifically for the contest.

She commented: "I'm so excited for everyone to hear 'Children of the Universe'. I'm so happy with it. To represent the United Kingdom in such a huge competition, not only as a singer and performer but as a songwriter is an unbelievable honour. I hope I can do us proud."

Her appointment is a stark contrast from recent years, with the UK picking veterans Bonnie Tyler and Engelbert Humperdinck on the last two occasions.

Eurovision executive producer Guy Freeman added: "BBC Introducing provided us with an extraordinary range of talent to explore and in Molly we found the perfect combination of contemporary song-writing and real vocal quality. Her enthusiasm for the project is infectious and I'm sure that she'll gain huge support on the journey to Copenhagen."

The UK meanwhile last won Eurovision in 1997 - courtesy of Katrina and the Waves' 'Love Shine a Light'.

Watch Molly Smitten-Downes in action below: