TALENTED teenager Kieran Jones proved a cut above the rest when he took first place in the Grand Final of the St Helens Star/Theatre Royal 'Stars in their Eyes' competition.

The 18-year-old hairdressing apprentice from Haydock became Ronan Keating for the evening to wow the judges with his renditions of 'Words' and 'Baby Can I Hold You Again.'

The competition, organised by the Star, in conjunction with the Theatre Royal, was staged at the Corporation Street venue, and carried prizes worth £1,500 in total.

And Kieran, who works at Avanti Hair Team in Westfield Street, was delighted. He said: "I was very nervous on the night but I really enjoyed the evening. I thought it was a great competition and I would love to do it all again.

"I am made up that I won because my ambition is to become a professional singer. However, first of all I am hoping to qualify as a hairdresser in July so that I will have something to fall back on if I don't make it as a singer.

Kieran won 100 CDs and 100 cassettes, courtesy of RTS Onestop Ltd., Prescot; a weekend break at the Crown Hotel, Harrogate, courtesy of The Crown Hotel; promotional photographs, courtesy of Bernard Platt Photography; 50 per cent off the cost of promotional posters, courtesy of Expressions Offset, Haydock; a bottle of bubbly, courtesy of Safeway, Newton-le -Willows and a pair of tickets from the Theatre Royal.

In second place was Steve Peters, also from Haydock, as R. Kelly, who sang 'I Believe I Can Fly' and 'If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time.' Steve won 50 CDs and 50 cassettes, c/o RTS Onestop, Prescot; a meal for two to the value of £20, c/o Manolito's, Rainhill; 50 per cent off the cost of promotional photographs, c/o Bernard Platt Photographty; 50 per cent off promotional posters, c/o Expressions Offset, Haydock; a bottle bubbly, c/o Safeway, Newton-le-Willows; and a pair of tickets, c/o the Theatre Royal.

And in third pace was Michael Turner, of Rainford, as George Formby, who 'When I'm Cleaning Windows' and 'My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock.' Michael won 25 cassettes and CDs, c/o Onestop, Rainhill; 50 per cent off the cost of promotional photographs, c/o Bernard Platt Photography; 50 per cent off promotional posters, c/o Expressions Offset, Haydock; a bottle of bubbly, c/o Safeway, Newton-le-Willows; and a pair of tickets, c/o Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Michael also won the plaque for winning 'The Audience's Champion ' competition.

Judges for the evening were Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Robinson; Sue Gerrard, of the Star; Cathy Toner of Toner Casting Agency, Liverpool; John Avery, entertainer; and Jan Britton, box office Theatre Royal. Compere was Chantelle Joseph while the cabaret was provided by Lorraine Gray and Chantelle and Georgia Brown.