We are all very excited and proud but at the same time he is still just my little boy

Siobhan Galbraith Declan's mother

The schoolboy is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Robbie Williams - and will record a version of Williams's hit Angels for his debut album.

Galbraith, from Hoo, near Rochester, Kent, was signed after his version of Aled Jones' hit Walking in the Air appeared on a Christmas compilation album alongside songs by Elton John, Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley.

Galbraith's career is being steered by PR guru Max Clifford, and was seen on BBC Two show When Louis Theroux Met Max Clifford.

Galbraith has been brought up on Irish folk tunes

"We are all very excited and proud but at the same time he is still just my little boy," his mother Siobhan Galbraith, 43, said.

"If he does well then great and if he doesn't then he'll have had a great time."

His father Alec Galbraith, 46, has given up his job as an electrician to help launch his son's career.

"This has been like a dream for me. It feels like Christmas," the youngster said.

"Just a year ago I was entering talent contests and then all of a sudden I was signed up by EMI. I'm really excited."

Max Clifford is steering the youngster's career

Galbraith began singing with his grandfather, who took him around the pubs and clubs of Kent with his Irish band.

"My dad passed away but Declan continued to sing the Irish songs my dad taught him," Mrs Galbraith said.

"We entered him in talent contests when he was seven and that led to record companies getting in touch.

"Declan does not really understand all the record company stuff. He is just doing what he loves best - singing."

His debut album will also include Irish folk songs such as Danny Boy and Carrickfergus.