COLCHESTER'S best young talent was put on display at a special competition inspired by a hit TV show. 

The first-ever Colchester Has Talent competition saw a host of young performers compete for a chance to perform at Lion Walk's Christmas celebration event.

The competition, held at the Vacay Bar Courtyard in Colchester's Lion Walk, saw 15 young performers aged between eight and 16 years old battle it out for the top spots.

The young performers included singers, songwriters, guitarists, pianists, dancers, contortionists, and a variety of speciality acts.

After two days of performances, Ivy May, a 12-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and The Scooter Boys, brothers TJ and Austin Terry, were crowned the winners.

They will now join a programme of entertainment, featuring pantomime actors and local musicians, at Colchester's Christmas Lights event in November.

Dr Cameron Abbott-Betts, director of Colchester Fringe, said: "What a brilliant weekend.

"These young stars are the performers we’ll see at Fringe in the future, and it is so important to encourage new talent and see emerging creatives come through."

The judges for Colchester Has Talent were Segun Lawal, Cameron Abbott-Betts, and Katie Skingle, who all have a connection to the entertainment scene in Colchester.

Segun Lawal, Colchester Has Talent head judge, said: "There was such an amazing array of talent on show at Colchester Has Talent, with such a variety of singers, musicians, and specialist acts.

"The young talent in Colchester is simply incredible and the high standards on show demonstrated that so clearly."

Anthony Benfield, Vacay Bar's operator, said: "The Vacay Bar and Courtyard was meant for events like this and to see so many people enjoying themselves on a glorious September weekend was a wonderful sight to behold."

Katie Skingle, managing director of KAT Marketing, added: "The talent on show was outstanding – each and every performer should be very proud of what they’ve accomplished."

Martin Leatherdale, centre manager at Lion Walk, added: "Colchester Has Talent was a huge success.

"We are thrilled that our winners, Ivy and The Scooter Boys, will now join our programme of incredible performers at our Christmas Lights spectacular later this year."