A SHOWCASE of talent entertained crowds of shoppers as an annual talent contest hit a high note.

The Starquest competition attracted more than 30 would-be stars of all ages to a temporary stage in Nelson town centre.

Brother and sister act Luis and Andrea Monk, of Colne, had plenty to sing about after both picking up prizes.

The competition, which was open to amateurs only, attracted mainly singers although there was a keyboard player and a comedian in the talent line-up.

Organiser Isobel Davies said: " It went really well. It shows just how many talented people there out there.

"Entries were up on last year and the crowds were kept entertained all day."

Entries were mostly from Pendle, although competitors came from as far afield as Skipton and Darwen for the chance to pick up cash prizes totalling £1,000.

The winning youngster received £200, and the first prize for the older section was £500.

The event was organised by Pendle Council, Pendle Partnership, Nelson Town Centre Forum and Burnley and District Concert Secretaries in association with Viva Recording Studios, Padiham.

Results: 16 and under - 1, Andrea Monk, Colne; 2, Stacey DeLooze, Nelson; 3, girl group Bliss, Padiham. Over 16 - 1, Lynsey Holden, Burnley; 2, Shelley Day, Earby; 3, Luis Monk, Colne.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.