CHEERS echoed around the Market Place Shopping Centre as Zack Thornley was named the winner of Sing Bolton Sing.

The 22-year-old came out on top in the final of the hotly contested talent show, stunning judges with his renditions of You Raise Me Up and This Is The Moment.

He was presented with the £10,000 prize money before giving one last emotional performance of his second song.

Mr Thornley, of Quarry Pond Road, Little Hulton, said: "I feel ecstatic. It's unbelievable. I can't really describe how I feel now.

"I desperately wanted to win but I never really believed that I would. I kept telling myself that it was always a long shot but I really wanted it.

"I am just so, so happy and I'm sure it will take quite a while to process this and I will probably be sitting at home thinking 'what just happened'."

He added: "I'm hoping this is the start of something, not the end of something."

The last performance was made even more emotional by Mr Thornley's four-year-old sibling Joshua, who ran onto the stage and hugged his big brother's leg.

In an adorable act of brotherly love, the singer picked up the youngster and held him throughout the rest of the song.

Mr Thornley said he would be saving a large chunk of the £10,000 to make sure he does not "blow it all" but he is also planning to treat his partner Rhianna Dickman to a holiday.

He is currently involved in musical theatre with St Phillips AODS, based at Commerce House in Bridgeman Place. Idols of his include stage legend Alfie Boe.

There were also prizes for second and third place.

Alex Eastwood, aged 25, came in second place and was awarded with a £3,000 cheque after she sung Listen and I Will Always Love You.

She said: "I am amazed. There were some really good acts in the competition and in the final. I just can't believe it."

Third place, and the £1,000 prize, went to the Cottontown Chorus, who sung God Only Knows and then shocked audiences with a Meatloaf medley.

Peter Davis, bass singer, said: "We are absolutely stunned and thrilled. This has been all about getting involved with the local community and trying to get more members into our club."