SWINDON-born singer Jahmene Douglas capped off a huge year this weekend by scooping the Best Newcomer prize at the Urban Music Awards.

The X-Factor star expressed his shock at the award, voted for by the public, and admitted he had not planned a speech but thanked everyone who voted for him.

Taking to Twitter he said: “Did not expect to win ‘best newcomer’ at the @Urbanmusicaward ... Had no idea what to say. Lol. Thanks to every one who voted!”

The Urban Music Awards celebrate R&B, HipHop, Soul and Dance Music, with the ceremony being held in London on Friday night.

The award rounds of a successful year for the 22-year-old, who saw his first album, Love Never Fails, debut at number one in the charts in July and was nominated at this year’s MOBOs.

The 2012 X-Factor runner-up was in Swindon last week to turn on the town’s Christmas lights and was greeted by a crowd of more than 10,000.

Despite being ordered by his management to rest his voice during the light switch-on and not being scheduled to sing, Jahmene wowed the audience by performing Silent Night.

Speaking to the Adver, he spoke about his plans for the future and his excitement at his upcoming second album due out next year.

Jahmene said: “After the lights I am going to Los Angeles for a few weeks to recover.

“I have not really had chance to rest since the show finished so I’m going to take a bit of time out.

“I need to start eating properly again.”

Earlier this year he announced plans for a second album, which he has been working on with renowned music producer Arden Hart.

“I’m really excited my new album and can’t wait for everybody to hear it,” said Jahmene.

“We have just put together a ballad for it which I am really pleased about. They are very hard to find but we have come up with the perfect one.

As well as working on his music Jahmene will be supporting the HeadStart campaign, which will be supported by the Big Lottery Fund.

It aims to support young people suffering from stresses and related sleep deprivation.

Around £75m will be spent on the project that will see Jahmene touring schools around the country and will also include a visit to Swindon.