BIRTLEY village hall was packed to the rafters for a unique concert featuring talented youngsters from a wide area.

Acts in the all-star talent show on Friday, February 17 included singers, dancers, musicians, a contortionist and even a performing dog – and none of the performers was over 13.

It was all arranged by Birtley resident Abbey Tilley to help raise cash towards her two-year course at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Art Theatre School in New York, which starts this autumn.

More than £900 was raised.

The various acts were studied with encouragement by a judging panel comprising local musicians Jason Arnup, Amy Ridley and Fiona Lander, and Claire Milburn, augmented by the hostess Catherine Williams from Barrasford.

All spoke warmly not only of the talent on show, but also of the bravery of the young performers in doing their routines in front of a packed hall.

The big winner on the night was multi-talented 12-year-old singer/guitarist Benjie Wood, whose rendition of the Guns n Roses anthem Sweet Child O' Mine saw him lift not only the £50 first prize and trophy awarded by the judges but also the Audience Choice trophy.

Benjie also won a spot performing at this year’s Northumberland County Show.

Second prize of £30 and a trophy went to The Little Lollipop Ladies, Darcey and Maisie, aged six and seven, who brought the house down with their clever dance routine  involving giant lollipops performed to the old favourite On the Good Ship Lollipop.

Gunnerton’s Agnes Feeley was awarded the third-place trophy and prize of £20 after performing an eye-watering sting of gymnastics and contortions.

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There were more than a dozen acts, all of which received tumultuous applause from the audience.

During the interval, Abbey Tilley sang her version of the Simon and Garfunkel classic Bridge over Troubled Water.

Speaking afterwards, Abbey paid tribute to everyone involved. She said: "The talent we had on show was unreal and we really tested the capacity of the village hall.

"I am so grateful to everyone who came, donated prizes for the raffle or supported us in other ways."