Lisa wins Caerphilly talent search

Blackwood Miners' Institute played host to an impressive display of local talent on Sunday evening with 16 acts from across the Caerphilly County Borough battling it out to be crowned the 2009 winner of Caerphilly's Got Talent.

31-year-old Lisa-Ann Davies from Pen yr Heol sung her heart out to win the title impressing the judges and bringing a lump to the throat of many of the packed house with her performance of Hallelujah. On finding out she had won the radiographer said, "I've never won anything in my life, not even the bingo!"

Last year's winners, Triawd, presented the speechless Lisa with a package of prizes worth over £500 including a personal shopping experience courtesy of The Style Team, a professional photography session, a recording session courtesy of The Pentalk Lab at the Riverfront Theatre Newport and a voucher for Q Studio Hairdressers in Blackwood.

Twelve-year-old Ben Candy from Caerphilly won second prize with his impressive street dance moves. One of the judges, Nick Wayland-Evans from Only Men Aloud, responded to his performance by simply saying "I'm Jealous." Ben's supporters were out in force on the night sporting their 'Team Candy' t-shirts! Ben wins a meal voucher courtesy of Wetherspoons in Blackwood plus tickets to the Jack & The Beanstalk pantomime at Blackwood Miners' Institute this December.

Third prize, membership to Caerphilly Leisure Centres, went to twelve-year-old Lowrie Philpott from Pengam. Lowrie sung Part of your World from The Little Mermaid complete with mermaid costume and a treasure chest on stage reminiscent of the Disney film.

The organisers at Blackwood Miners' Institute would like to thank all 16 finalists for making it such a fantastic evening of entertainment and to everyone who took time to come out and audition for the contest this year. Blackwood Miners' Institute feels that the contest plays a key role in providing the residents of the borough with an opportunity to take part in a rewarding experience and is looking forward to doing it all over again in 2010!