Ashleigh took out the QantasLink New Talent of the Year Award on Saturday night in Tamworth in a decision popular with the packed house.

Multi Golden Guitar winner Kasey Chambers congratulated Ashleigh as soon as she was announced as the winner, with plenty of hugs and kisses from mum Lynette, dad Brett and fiance Chris Wattan.

“I have nothing prepared,” Ashleigh told The Leader before the awards.

“I have thought about some people I really want to thank if I win, but I’ll probably stay sitting in my seat if they call my name.”

When she accepted the award for her song, Me, she was understandably surprised.

“Oh my goodness,” she said.

“Someone needs to pinch me. 

“This is not happening. 

“I already have Golden Guitars in the family and it’s something I’ve always dreamed of.”

Her grandfather, Rex Dallas, has won four of the trophies.

Ashleigh said she had to keep looking at the trophy because she couldn’t believe she had one.

“I feel like it is a Tamworth guitar, being a local girl,” she said.

“I have a lot of respect for this town.

“This one is staying here in town.”