TALENTED young people across Sandwell have won prizes in this year’s SHAPE Your Talent competition held in Rowley Regis.

In order to get to the final, 97 artistes and groups performed auditions in front of judges, with a shortlist then going to the public vote and a further round of judges.

The acts performed to a packed out audience at St Michael’s CofE High School, who showed their appreciation.

Highlights of the event included performances by winner of the first SHAPE Your Talent in 2015 and contest judge Emily Badger – who will also be performing at this summer’s BBC Proms.

Acts were divided between two categories, eight to 13-year-olds and 14 to 19 year-olds and judged by local dancer and choreographer Kenny Reid, singer and creative director Truchio Powell, Sandwell Council’s arts and project officer Alex Howells and managing director of Newave Creative Education Services, John Percival.

In the younger category, Olivia Hanks won the top prize of £500, followed by Adam Mukoon in second and Team Ream in third.

While Caitlin Parker picked up the victory in the older group, with Spotlight Dance Group getting £100 for being runners up and Bethany Ann Mae Joynes receiving the £50 prize for third place.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I was blown away by the amazing talents of our young people and want to congratulate all those who took part in the competition.”