Norwich's homegrown talent Ronan Parke could have a glittering career in front of him after being crowned runner-up of Britan's Got Talent on Saturday night.

More than 14 million viewers tuned in to watch the Poringland singer come second to Jai McDowell – and his family thanked people in Norfolk for their support.

Ronan's mum, Maggie, told the Evening News: 'Britain's Got Talent are a brilliant bunch of people. It has been a really good experience for Ronan, he has been very well looked after. He met JLS the other day and they were lovely.'

She added: 'It has been amazing and fantastic. I am tired and very proud. To get where he did was fantastic.'

Ronan belted out a cover of Kelly Clarkson's Because of You.

Mrs Parke, a nurse care manager who works with adults with learning difficulties, said: 'Ronan liked the song. There was quite a few songs that he was good at and we had to make a decision. It was definitely the right choice.

'Adele's Make You Feel My Love, which Ronan did on Monday's semi-final,was his choice.'

Ronan's family are supporting him on the Britain's Got Talent tour, which kicks off in Newcastle next Saturday. Ronan lives with his football-mad brother, Declan, 15, mum Maggie, and dad Trevor, a self-employed builder.

Mrs Parke said: 'I will be covering the northern venues and his dad is going to the others. We will all meet up at the 02 Arena, because that has always been Ronan's dream to perform there.'

Speaking to Ronan after the results were announced, Britain's Got Talent presenter Ant McPartlin said: 'We have loved having you here and I reckon we are going to see a lot more of this little man.'

Simon Cowell added: 'We said tonight there was going to be a shock result. Not doing Jai any disservice but he wasn't one of the favourites coming in.'

Amanda Holden said: 'I'm thrilled for Jai, this is a massive night for him but I have to say that I really wanted Ronan to win.'

The 12-year-old's performance earned him enormous praise from all four judges. Simon Cowell said: 'How you've coped with everything so well at your age and then you come out on that stage and – and this is a big big song – and you nailed it, you just did brilliantly.'

He then referred to when Louis Walsh called Ronan a star in his first audition.

Louis said: 'He's made the hairs stand on the back of my neck.'

David Hasselhoff said: 'Ronan, I actually wrote down 'Ronan will win this competition if he nails it'. And buddy, you nailed it.'

Amanda Holden said: 'From the moment that we set eyes on you in that audition I knew there was a magic about you – your composure, your voice and just the fact that you are a gorgeous, gorgeous boy. You're a credit to your parents and to this show. Congratulations, you completely stormed it.'

Michael McIntyre said: 'That was perfect.

'I'm such a great fan of yours that I felt nervous when you walked on and was hoping that you would do well but I was put at ease with the first note and it was perfection from then on.'

'It was absolutely exceptional and I would pay to go and see you, definitely.'

Ronan, who went to Alpington Primary School and is now at Framingham Earl High School, credits his singing lessons with Norwich-based vocal coach Kay Webber for giving him the confidence to take part in the competition.

He said: 'I get really nervous beforehand and when I'm waiting to go on stage, I always tell myself 'this is what I want to do so go ahead and do it',' he said.

'I love singing modern songs although my voice is suited to slower songs.'

But although he loves performing on stage, he doesn't sing at school and doesn't really like singing in front of friends.

His favourite singers are Lady Gaga and Beyonce, and at school his favourite subject is English. Other than school and singing, he loves shopping – his favourite shops are Top Man and Hollister.

Are you heading for success in a national competition? Contact Lucy Wright on 01603 772495 or lucy.wright@archant.co.uk.