ONE of the organisers of a talent show which took place in Topsham last week is keen for it become an annual event. PCSO Percy Giles, who helped put together The Youth Factor, which was held in Matthews Hall on Saturday, April 17, said scores of people fr

ONE of the organisers of a talent show which took place in Topsham last week is keen for it become an annual event.

PCSO Percy Giles, who helped put together The Youth Factor, which was held in Matthews Hall on Saturday, April 17, said scores of people from around the town had praised the success of the contest.

Mr Giles said: "A number of people are keen for the event to become an annual thing which I, also, would like to see happen."

The talent show was based on a similar theme to that of ITV's X-Factor programme. Ninety young people took part in the competition.

Auditions were held at the Phoenix Youth Club on Burnthouse Lane, Exeter, and at the 100 Club, on Wear Barton Road, Countess Wear, before last week's final at Matthews Hall.

The competition was open to youngsters aged under 17-years-old.

The initiative was put together through the work of Devon Youth Services, local schools and neighbourhood police teams, aimed at improving community spirit.

It was also hoped the show process would give both young girls and boys an enjoyable activity to partake in during the Easter holidays.

Amy Smales, from Heavitree, who sang Hallelujah, secured the top prize. Livvie Kumar, from Topsham, finished in second place and third was the Cheetah Girls from Countess Wear.

Money given by Devon County Councillor Jill Owen was used to fund the event with Exeter City Council's 'My Neighbourhood' liaison officer providing three trophies.

The Vue cinema gave four free tickets as prizes.

Mary Evans and Maggie Butt, from Topsham Community Association, paid for the hire of Matthews Hall.

Percy Giles wished to thank his team of PCSOs Sarah Bloor, Jenelle Green, Tom Hall and his wife Lorraine, Sophie Street and Sarah Giles, as well as PC Kevin Wetherell and two community volunteers, Chris Mulcock and Paul Baber, for their help.