NEARLY £600 was raised for charity at a talent show at Exford where acts from across the area showed off their skills.

It was a super evening of entertainment with a judging panel of Manda Clarke, Gwenda Bassett and Matt Clear giving advice to the contestants and their own marks out of ten.

But the all-important audience vote saw Hummingbird, a folk duo consisting of Ian Hudson and his partner Su, being named as winners.

There was a special judge’s prize for Dreamz, of Watchet, who presented a contemporary dance to the Ed Sheeran track I See Fire.

Only a few votes separated the leading acts to emphasise how strong the line-up of talent was on the night. The other artists were jazz guitarist Dave Walden from Lynton, singer Laura Culshaw from South Molton, nine-year-old singer Sophie Sefton from Kilve, young magician Tom Rose from Lynton, Shirley West, of Exford, and Kings Brompton Young Farmers.

Proceeds from the event were going towards the CLIC Sargent appeal and to boost the fundraising efforts of Claire Cockram and her forthcoming London Marathon run.

Organisers would like to thank Bene Bennett and his band, Sembalance, who closed the night with an hour of rock and roll music.