Acts grab limelight to show star quality

Top talent stepped into the spotlight during a sparkling showcase of entertainment at the region's own Oscars-style awards show.

Seven acts scooped gongs from the Mid-Counties Entertainment Council and took to the stage during a night of laughs, dancing and singalongs.

They were joined by special guest and singing star Neil St John — who had flown in especially from Benidorm to perform.

The evening held at Quarry Bank Labour Club saw a 200-strong audience get into the party spirit and celebrate the best the West Midlands has to offer.

Council secretary Malcolm Edwards said: "The idea is to repay the artists who work so hard at social clubs throughout the year.

"In my opinion we have got some of the best artists in the country."

Proceedings kicked off with Paul David, aged 37, of Dickinson Road, Wombourne, who won best vocal entertainer award.

He belted out hits including Spirit in the Sky and Relight my Fire.

Before long people were up dancing, and stayed on their feet for the rest of the evening.

After the show, Mr David said: "It was great fun, and it's nice to be here and meet all these other artists."

The awards are voted for by members of the 45 clubs which make up the council.

Sam Jones, aged 25, of Oxley, Wolverhampton, was given the Best Newcomer award.

Mrs Jones, who met her husband Darren on the club circuit, said: "It feels brilliant that people appreciate me enough to vote for me."

The evening's only non-musical act was Our Trace, a comedy character played by Tracey Rhodes, aged 48, of Four Ashes, Wolverhampton. She won the Best Comedian prize for the ninth time in 10 years.

One of the highlights was a stirring rendition of Nessun Dorma by Best Male Vocalist, Gavin Baker, aged 28, of Millfields, Bilston.

The evening came to climax with a rocking version of Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon, performed by Best Trio winners, Beyond Words — made up of married couple Kay and John David and Bimal Jangra.

Other winners included Amanda Stone, aged 35, of the Wren's Nest Estate, Dudley, who won Best Female Vocalist. She got the crowd moving with renditions of Lady Gaga's Poker Face and Bad Boys by Alexandra Burke.

Brother and sister Gareth Jeavons and Hayley Evans, of Parkfields, Wolverhampton, were crowned Best Duo.

Among the audience was Tony Parkes, aged 72, of Stuart Road, Rowley Regis. Mr Parkes, with his friend Des Whittle, aged 70, said: "It's a great night — the atmosphere and the artists are very good."