STUDENTS from Malton School, Norton College and Lady Lumley’s School, Pickering, went head-to-head on Friday in a talent contest in aid of local charity Acorn Community Care.

A total of 15 acts battled it out in Malton’s Milton Rooms to raise money for the Norton-based charity, which supports adults with learning difficulties.

Sponsored by the Gazette & Herald, the winners of this year’s competition were singers Zac Woolley and George Ullyot, from Malton School.

Second was magician Jack Sellars, from Norton College and third was Phillippa Norman, a singer from Malton School.

Also given a mention was 13-year-old Sam Crabbe, from Lady Lumley’s School, who the judges felt deserved a special mention for his rendition of Someone Like You by Adele.

Organised by Di Keal, the event was held for a second year following the huge success of last year’s Malton and Norton’s Got Talent.

“It was a fantastic night with some amazing acts from all three schools,” Di said. “Our judges had a really difficult time making their decisions as there was a huge variety of acts and the quality was just so high.

“Zak and George won the day because not only was their performance brilliant, but these talented Malton School pupils also performed one of their own songs, which is amazing.”

Di said she would like to thank the judges – Scott Garnham, Lauren Hood, Neil Foster and Howard Keal – for their enthusiasm and for helping to make the show such a success.

“Many thanks also go to the many people who helped me pull the show together, especially the staff and technology students from Norton College, staff from Malton School and Lady Lumley’s, plus the other wonderful volunteers and our fantastic compere on the evening, Leo Rowell, who not only held everything together, but entertained the audience while the judges decided on winners,” she said.

“Finally, I would like to thank the local businesses for their generosity in donating raffle prizes. I am still collecting money from the evening, but I hope that the final total raised for Acorn Community Care will be about £1,000, which is fantastic.”

Jo Kelly, editor of the Gazette & Herald, said the newspaper was delighted to sponsor Ryedale’s Got Talent. “Our area has a fantastic range of young talent and this event was a great opportunity for students to showcase that talent while raising money for a local charity.

“Thanks goes to all involved, particularly Di Keal for organising the evening once again, and to all those young people who made it such a success.”