TALENTED singers, musicians, dancers and a lone comedian battled it out for this year s Wisbech Has Talent competition. Thirteen acts took part and offered a packed audience at the Oasis Centre in Wisbech a glimpse of their skill and dedication. The commu

TALENTED singers, musicians, dancers and a lone comedian battled it out for this year's Wisbech Has Talent competition.

Thirteen acts took part and offered a packed audience at the Oasis Centre in Wisbech a glimpse of their skill and dedication.

The community centre once again invited John Elworthy, Editor of the Wisbech Standard, to be one of the judges and he was joined by Graham Arthur, manager of Somerfield's and a sponsor of this year's contest, and 73 year-old Joan Gallagher.

Joan had made it through to the televised heats of Britain's Got Talent and before Friday's show got under she demonstrated her stage act of lying on a bed of nails while firstly a youngster walked over her and then Nick Mason, the centre's marketing manager.

To rapturous applause Joan then rejoined the judges who settled down to watch and score each act.

Ages of the performers ranged from 7 to 77, the oldest being Glad Reed who offered her own rendition of the Judy Garland classic 'Somewhere over the Rainbow.'

Vicky Taylor and Felicity Masters gave strong performances, taking part twice with each performing the lead vocalist. They were described by one judge as "powerful and enthralling."

Aylishia Wright captivated the judges with Leann Rimes' hit 'Can't Find the Moonlight' whilst Toni Gathercole and Janine Godbehere from Walpole Highway offered an amazing performance of Irish dancing.

Ashton Quince of Elm on electric guitar won plaudits for his performance ("a good strong finish to the act" said one judge) and Lucy O'Neil from Murrow did the Leona Lewis hit 'Bleeding Love." She was described by one judge as having "a great voice and great confidence."

Kevin Venni's comic interlude had the audience roaring with laughter and had improved considerably on last year's performance. Judges were still puzzled whether his habit of writing on his jokes on his hand- and then looking for them- is staged or real! "Awesome" said one judge.

Shannon Alridge's Patsy Cline number went down a treat ("confident, assured performance" said the judges) whilst Caroline Benbow and Angie Rust had the audience foot stamping and roaring with laughter with their variety act. "Totally, totally, off the wall" said one judge whilst another said it had everyone laughing and stamping their feet with enjoyment.

Teri Harris and her gang - Group 310- had the audience spell bound as they offered fast flowing, contemporary dancing- and Charley Sandberg and Hannah Clayton also won plaudits with their dance routine. "Wow," said one judge. "Lots and lots of energy- a great routine."

But there had to be a winner and by the narrowest of margins the judges awarded top honours to Megan Green, whose unaccompanied version of Amazing Grace was considered simply amazing.

"She has real, genuine talent," said one judge. Another simply said "faultless."

Toni and Janine came second and joint third place went to Charley and Hannah and Caroline and Angie.

Chris Stevens, the manager, said: "It was another great year. I think everyone enjoyed themselves."

And next year? Definitely, she said, and there may even be two competitions, one for adults and one for youngsters and held in the second week of the school holidays.