North East singer Joe McElderry may have won The X Factor but a Middlesbrough school showed that there is plenty more talent in the region just waiting to be discovered.

 

Students at The Kings Academy, in Coulby Newham, showcased their musical, singing and dancing skills before a panel of judges in the annual inter-house performing arts festival.

 

Sixteen acts from across the Academy year groups performed in front of the judges and a packed audience of 200 Year 7 students.

 

Snatching the coveted first place were guitarist Anna Rudick and singer Emma Cooksey-Artley.

 

The Cast of 9 Thompson came second in a tutor group performance of We Go Together from the musical Grease, while drummer Indy Singh and a group of Year 11 boys were third with a street dance routine.

 

Judge and director of Youth for Christ Tees Valley, Andy Robinson, who was also on last year's panel, praised all the acts that took part.

 

He was joined on the panel by education student Paige Robinson and Nunthorpe youth workers Steve Corner and Anne Smith.

 

Performances were also judged by the audience who voted for their favourite act at the end of the show.

 

Show compere and Academy Vice Principal, John Rhodes, said: "The Academy's annual performing arts competition is a highlight at the end of the Christmas term and is always thoroughly enjoyed by our audience of Year 7 students.

 

"This year was dominated by singing and dancing, with three large dance troupes taking to the stage. However, in the end it was simply excellent singing and playing by Emma and Anna that the judges felt stood out and ensured an overall win by Romans house."