THE next generation of talented stars have been crowned winners after sparkling on the stage.

This year’s W-Factor competition came to a dramatic conclusion at Pershore’s Number 8 Community Arts Centre on Monday, March 3 when six youngsters emerged victorious.

In total 26 young people from across the Wychavon district competed in front of family and friends, with the panel of judges - which included singer Deborah Rose, musician Nick Hall and dance specialist Clare Wood - keeping a close eye on their performances.

Jenny Davis, arts officer at Wychavon District Council, said: “It was a fantastic evening and the competition was as a tough as ever. The talent and passion of the young people taking part was evident to all.

"It has been wonderful to see the performers grow in confidence following on from the auditions. Although not everyone could be selected as a winner, every participant has achieved so much by getting it through to the final stage of the competition.”

Alice Nishigaski from Bredon Hill Middle School won the music category for her flute recital of Mozart’s Concerto in C Major, K-299.

The singing 11-13s category saw Aimee Fae from St Egwins Middle School and her rendition of Read All About It come out on top, while the singing 14-18s category went to Georgia Simpson from Pershore High School, who sang Explosions with piano accompaniment.

Bl3nd, which comprises Pershore High School students Natasha Meusz, Alicia Jones and Ella Spencer, won the group singing category and fellow Pershore High School student Holly Jones' contemporary dance piece caught the eye of the judges in the dance category.

Jon Rabette from Prince Henry’s High School stole the show with his photography in the visual arts category.

The W-Factor winners will receive assistance with further training and will be invited to perform at events across Wychavon throughout the year.