TALENTED young ventriloquist Donna-Marie swept to victory in Sunday night's Star Trail talent contest final beating 14 other contestants to take top honours at Bournemouth's Wessex Hotel.

The 16-year-old, who will now go on to compete in the British Resorts Association National Search For A Star final later this year has a personality as sparkling as the dress she wore.

She also has a refreshingly original act. Puppet Nigel, dressed as Elvis, duetted with her on Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog and All Shook Up, while apes Louis and Susie, harangued each other in an amazing range of voices before launching into an hilarious version of Big Spender.

Second place went to 17-year-old Stephanie Murray, who clearly has the personality, style and potential to hit the heights, and won the judges over with her versions of Celine Dion's I'm Alive and Christine Aguilera's Reflections.

Rock/pop vocal and guitar duo Inner Sense (Charlene and Neil) who seemed to be having the time of their lives performing Objection Tango and a more up-beat rock number, took third place.

It was a fitting end to weeks of heats and two semi-finals which had seen dozens of showbiz wannabes whittled down to a mere handful of finalists.

And make no mistake - this annual gala final is a sought-after showcase for up-and-coming performers. For even if they fail to pick up a trophy they know that they stand a good chance of being spotted by agents, bookers and talent scouts.

The artists found themselves performing in front of a capacity audience and judges Chris Ferguson, Brian Laine, Chris Conrad, Connie Creighton, Rosemary Kaye and myself as the tension, and the temperature, rose.

Elegantly dressed Susan Rolfe had the unenviable task of being the first on, getting things off to an impressive start with Nobody Does It Better and All That Jazz, closely followed by Debbie Sarfas singing There Are Worse Things I Could Do and Total Eclipse of the Heart.

Singers continued to predominate, with Alice Berry, Mike Sidaway, Laura Miller and Zahara belting out show songs and standards, and own compositions from Rachel Scott, guitar vocalist Dan Gordon and Albie J and the Freeze Dancers.

An enigmatic James More rang the changes with More Magic Moments, performing astounding illusions with candles, playing cards, paper and streamers that, even within close range, were genuinely magical.

The remaining five contestants all came a little closer to realising their own personal dreams, walking away with tangible proof of their talent.

The evening's audience vote went to Steve Dee, whose Neil Diamond songs Love On the Rocks and America had the audience in a near-frenzy.

And the Most Promising Newcomer Award was won by Lucy J, whose quirky dress sense and easy audience rapport marked her out in unforgettable fashion from the usual run of singers. Wearing grungy t-shirt, cut-off jeans, stripy socks, big boots and tatty black coat, she sang I Believe I Can Fly and gave the impression that she might do just that.

Star Trail winner Donna-Marie will represent Bournemouth in the British Resorts Association Search For A Star final in Southport in November.