Eliza is crowned the 2016 winner of The Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club's Vale's Got Talent contest

The seventh annual talent contest was described as “probably the best ever” by judge Roy Taylor aka Vince Eager.

After a long deliberation the winner was announced as singer Eliza Hill. Runner-up was singer Charlie Fearon and third place was awarded to close harmony group Neon Glee of Brooksby Melton College.

The sell-out event was run by The Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club and took place at The Grange Hall, Radcliffe-on-Trent. It featured 20 talented acts of all ages competing for a top cash prize and a coveted trophy for first place.

Melton and Vale acts who made the final were dance acts Sax, Waves and Africa of the Belvoir Dance Academy, Neon Glee and Fly Dance of Brooksby Melton College and singers David Newton of Asfordby and Emily Brown of Melton.

The judges were Roy Taylor, Jane Murray, Katy Woolley and John Holmes. Last year’s winner Holly Fallon entertained the audience before the 2016 was announced.

The prizes were presented by Will Pressley of Spire Health Care, who were the main sponsor for this year’s event.

Four acts, singer Felicity Turner, ukulele player and soloist Lizzy Watts, group One Giants Causeway and poet Jan Cummings were highly commended and received cheques for £50.

Third place Neon Glee received a cheque for £100. They held the audience spellbound as they used their bodies to provide the percussion and beat of their close harmony.

Runner-up Charlie Fearon received a cheque for £150. He appeared to sing effortlessly and soon had the crowd clapping to the beat.

Fifteen-year-old champion Eliza Hill performed Stephen Sondheim’s classic and demanding song Send in The Clowns. Her delivery was pitch perfect and worthy of the West End. She received a cheque for £300.

As is now customary, Eliza will be invited to perform at The Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club’s annual cabaret evening on Friday, June 16, when The Opera Dudes will be the main act.