A MEMORIAL talent show organised by a college student has raised hundreds of pounds for two charities who look after seriously-ill children and their families.

Aspiring performers competed for honours in the event at Northallerton College, North Yorkshire, to mark the first anniversary of the death of Tyrese Dorset.

The five-year-old, from Romanby, suffered brain damage at birth, leaving him with profound disabilities. He died last March of pneumonia.

His god-sister, Alice Purkiss, decided to mark the anniversary with a talent contest to raise funds for the Rainbow Trust and the Butterwick Children's Hospice, both of which look after children with life-threatening illnesses.

"I wanted to do something for charity to give something back," said Alice, a 16-year-old student at Northallerton College.

"Tyrese went to the Butterwick Children's Hospice for respite care and the Rainbow Trust provided his family with assistance at home.

"Doing this a year after he died helped bring us all a bit of closure and also celebrated Tyrese's life."

Ten acts took part in the competition including singers, bands, dancers and actors. They were judged by a panel of teachers and the event raised £800, which was matched by family donations to make a total of £1,600.

The show was won by Howard Orange, a six-piece rock band comprising Andrew Wilson, 16, and Sam Toothill, 14, both of Kirkby Fleetham, Alison James, 16, of Northallerton, Tom Bramley, 16, of East Cowton, Guy Dillon, 15, of Kirkby Fleetham and Lawrence Rab, 16, of Romanby.

In second place, were young actors James Bindoff, of East Cowton, and Claire White, of Northallerton, both 17.

Third place went to singers Bailey's Angels, comprising 15-year-olds Amy Almond, of Knayton, Laura Nicholson and Helen Tulip, of Northallerton.