Many of us had socially-distanced street gatherings with our neighbours during the Covid lockdowns – but it is unlikely that many of these ended up inspiring a potential future rock star.

For Olly Pearson, who was seven at the time, seeing a neighbour play guitar during one of these get-togethers was life-changing.

Now aged 11, he is heading for the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent after getting a golden buzzer for his rip-roaring audition – a medley of rock classics from bands including Queen, AC/DC and Van Halen.

Each of the talent show judges can use the golden buzzer for an act they believe is exceptional – with Amanda Holden pressing it for Olly during auditions in Blackpool.

“I think I was so focused on my guitar, I didn’t even notice the judges talking,” Olly, from Wrexham, said.

“It was just unbelievable to see everyone standing up… I still can’t believe now. I didn’t expect it.”

Olly described the experience as “nerve-wracking” but “incredible” from the second he played the first chord.

His journey first began after asking his grandfather for lessons.

The pair then spent hours perfecting chords and techniques – and Olly hasn’t looked back.

Olly’s grandfather Lee Hughes was one of the hundreds watching on at the theatre as he impressed the judges, including Simon Cowell, in an episode that aired last week.

Lee said it was clear his grandson had a “natural talent” from the outset.

The 79-year-old, who learnt guitar as a teenager, said he and Olly started off doing six or seven hours of lessons a week playing guitar classics from Lee’s era – from acts such as The Shadows and the Beatles.

“He loved it – and he got better so quickly,” said Lee.

“His timing was so good from the start.

“Within two years, he was catching me up – now he teaches me.”

He added watching his grandson’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent was the “best experience” of his life.

Olly’s mum Sarah Pearson said his progression “happened so fast”, adding he goes straight to his guitars as soon as he gets home from school.

“In four years he’s gone from doing his first guitar performance for the neighbours to Britain’s Got Talent.”

“It’s such a passion. He’s always practising, always learning,” she said.

Olly said it was thanks to his grandfather, who he described as a “good teacher”, that he found his love of playing.

He has also had lessons at music school Wrexham Sounds, where he has been able to develop his love of classic rock and heavy metal.

Since his BGT performance aired, he has spent the week being asked for his autograph by the younger children at school and enjoying the congratulations from his community.

But now he is focused on the semi-finals, coming up in April or May, and a top secret performance that will be even “bigger, better and wilder”.