A WORLD of opportunities have been opened up for a Yorkshire lass after she won a Colchester music and dance festival.

Maxine Taylor moved to Nayland a year ago to work as a nanny, and was delighted when she won Colchester Rotary Musician of the Year.

She wowed judges with her singing and narrowly pipped fellow singer Robert Gathercole, who took the runner up spot.

Maxine, 22, won the Richard Rose shield and £300 for her efforts, as well as several category prizes.

She said: “I was really surprised to learn I had won but also happy. I really enjoyed myself.

“Everyone else was so good as well, I was up against some fantastic musicians.

“I have been here for about a year and it’s been hard to get to meet people. This event allowed me to meet people who have told me to audition for various choirs and things, so it has opened a lot of doors for me.”

Rotarian John Enfield, chairman of the Festival Committee, said: “I would like to pay tribute to all the music and dance performers."

Next year’s Festival will take place in June and July 2013 with the Dance Gala on Friday July 5 and final concert on Saturday July 6.