A 62-year-old grandfather was crowned the North East's most talented pensioner yesterday.

Ronny Hughes, a retired builder from Sunderland, was named top act in the Area Final of Yours Silver Stars talent contest for senior citizens.

He was one of 13 acts treading the boards at The Middlesbrough Theatre, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to showbiz talent.

He went on to win over judges with a selection of his favourite songs including Old Man River and Stars from the hit musicals Show Boat and Les Miserables.

He said: "Everyone else was brilliant - I can't believe the judges chose me. It's the first talent contest I've won but hopefully it will not be the last."

Mr Hughes will go on to represent the North-East at the Yours Silver Stars Grand UK Final at Southport's Apollo Theatre, Lancashire, in July, where he will perform in front of 2,000 people, and compete for the top prize of £1,000.

Tickets for the final, on Wednesday, July 28, at 1.30pm, cost £4.50 and are available by telephoning (01704) 500036.

Published: 12/06/2004