A teen finalist in a songwriting contest judged by producers to Sam Smith and Britney Spears has released a single to raise money for homeless people in Merton.

Gilska Weerakkody, 14, received a special commendation last week for her song 'Affections' - which is on sale to raise money for south west London homeless charity SPEAR.

The Merton Park teenager had reached the final of the Song Academy Singer Songwriter Competition 2015, which aims to empower young songwriters by giving them a platform to showcase their music to a prestigious panel.

She said: "It's still a shock to me because I really didn't expect it.

"There were so many amazing singers and I'm just really really happy that I got into the final.

"I think all the judges really seemed to love my song."

Gilska's 99p song is available to download from Amazon and iTunes, with all profits going to SPEAR.

The charity was founded in 1987 following the death of two people sleeping on a Richmond riverbank.

Today it works with homeless young people and adults across south west London to help them find accommodation and support them to address mental health, addiction, relationship and employment problems.

SPEAR's Wimbledon hostel, which the charity plans to double in size, provides accommodation, education and independent-living support for homeless young people.

Heidi Shrimpton, SPEAR's head of fundraising, said: "It is a fabulous song and an inspiration to all young people who want to be a singer-songwriter.

"But what makes this so special, is Gilska produced this song thinking not of herself, but of people supported by SPEAR who have experienced homelessness."

Gilska will perform alongside other finalists at Westfield in Shepherd's Bush on Sunday, June 21, from 2pm to 5.15pm.

Download the song from iTunes of Amazon