A teenage singer guitarist has won £500 and a paid gig at a restaurant in Annesley after winning Ashfield and Eastwood’s Got Talent.

Ashley Westlake, 16, of Sutton, showed Ed Sheeran how it’s done when he performed a version of the star’s Perfect to triumph in the competition organised by Ashfield MP Lee Anderson.

The MP decided to organise the local talent show to help lift spirits during coronavirus lockdown.

Singers, dancers, musicians and poets, aged from 10 to 57, from all parts of the constituency applied to be on the show, which took place on Zoom over two sessions.

The top five acts qualified for the final and were joined by three wildcard acts chosen by the audience. They performed over Zoom in an event streamed on Facebook and YouTube, attracting more than 10,000 viewers.

Lee was joined by judges Sam Howlett, of Kirkby; Rebecca Price, of Eastwood; and chef Dave Marshall, from the Porterhouse by Barlows restaurant, Annesley; for the final.

The other finalists were singer Maddison Bottomore, 11, of Kirkby; nine-year-old dancer Dakota Zia Fletcher, of Sutton; singer Jack Leeson, 21, of Huthwaite; singer Faith Hall, 12, of Sutton; singer Helen Storer, 57, of Selston; 10-year-old dancer Rose Bates, of Brinsley; and dancer ‘Dancing Derek’

Ashley scored a perfect 30 out of 30 to win and will now perform at Porterhouse by Barlows when it reopens.

Faith, Maddison and Jack were runners-up with Rose winning the MP Award.

Lee said: “When I first organised the talent show I never expected to unearth such talent. It was lovely to see all age groups take part and watch the show.

“As soon as Covid restrictions are eased, we are going to showcase the acts at The Diamond in Sutton. I also can’t wait to see Ashley perform at the Porterhouse.”

Ashley added: “It has boosted my confidence. I’m over the moon.  Being offered to sing in Dave’s restaurant is incredible, it’s my first booked gig and I’m so looking forward to it.”

Prizes were donated by Ashfield resident Craig Gould.