Young Herefordshire singer Ellie Goulding is the latest artist to pick up the Brits Critic's Choice Award which honours up and coming artists likely to succeed in the next year. Previous winners of the award include Florence and the Machine and Adele.

Goulding beat off competition from Marina and the Diamonds and Delphic, who she is also up against for the title of BBC Sound of 2010. She will perform at the 2010 Brit Awards nomination announcement ceremony on January 18th, as well as at the awards ceremony itself at London's Earl's Court on February 16th, where she will pick up her award.

Ellie told the BBC "When I found out, I had a little squeal, I had a little cry, and I had a little fall down! I didn't believe it at first, but now that it's sunk in I am delighted and utterly honoured to have been given this award."

Ellie Goulding is currently in the studio recording her debut album. Watch her perform her debut single "Under The Sheets" on Later... With Jools Holland below: