POP legend Heather Small was “extremely impressed” with the wealth of talent on show for Bolton Family Fun Stars.

The renowned singer, who had a string of hits with M People and as a solo artist, judged the competition to find the borough’s top talented youngsters.

The competition - organised by Bolton Action group and supported by The Bolton News, Bolton FM, the Bolton Family and local firms – attracted a host of young people.

Singers, dancers, gymnasts and poets demonstrated their skills by posting a video online.

The first prize-winner was Oliver Leahy, aged 15, a Bolton School pupil. The talented pianist is qualified to Grade 8 standard and his mum Becky Holden said he “has been interested in music since he could talk.”

He has played the piano since he was eight, has a particular interest in classical music and performed Debussy’s haunting Clare de Lune for his winning video.

“Entering the competition really perked him up as it’s been particularly tough on youngsters during the pandemic,” added Becky. Oliver won an Apple watch, donated by builders Seddons.

Second prize of a Samsung Galaxy tablet, courtesy of Forshaw Land & Property Group, went to Logan Riley, and Kate and Erin Williamson in third place also won a Samsung Galaxy tablet donated by Agilisys.

A Waterstone’s voucher – one of two donated by Russell & Russell solicitors - a Smyths’ voucher from KP Financial Services, signed Bolton Wanderers’ shirt and match tickets and a voucher from Milkmaids donated by Roe & Co Residential Sales went to five other prize-winners.

Lisa Forshaw, of Bolton Action, said: “There is obviously a fabulous amount of talent around Bolton. Heather Small was happy to help with the judging and I know she was completely blown away by the youngsters. She was extremely impressed with the standard.

“We are also very grateful to the sponsors and supporters. We just wanted to cheer people up at a difficult time for everyone and I think this competition did just that."