First finalists chosen for Vale's Got Talent contest

One of the finalists: Thirteen-year-old May Perks who attends the Star Academy, SKY Theatre in Melton and performed in 'Singin' in the Rain' at Melton Theatre PHOTO: Supplied

Judges decided that nine from sixteen acts should progress from the semi-finals at Candleby Lane School, Cotgrave, on Saturday.

The performers now vying for the title from districts such as Melton, Bingham, West Bridgford and Radcliffe-on-Trent include singer Thomas Markwick, The Starlight Street Dance Group, songwriter Eva Rose, musician Charlie Fearon, soloist Moyege Oke, dancers Ria and Safiya, singer Amelia Dennis, dancers Katie Rider and Jess Starling and ukulele player May Perks.

The second semi-final takes place at the same venue, on Saturday, November 18, at 7pm, and will feature six contestants from the Melton borough.

The final itself takes place on Friday, December 8, at the same time but the venue will be Cotgrave Welfare Social Club.

The eighth annual competition, with a total prize pot of £700 to be shared amongst winners, and a coveted trophy for first place, is being organised by the Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club to support Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, The Dictionary 4 Life project, Vale First Responders, Bingham And District Audio Magazine, Ash Lea School, Dove Cottage Day Hospice in Stathern and the Memory Cafe in Cotgrave.