YOUTH, energy and enthusiasm are words that would sum up the latest heat of the Echo Star Trail, which gave some very promising and talented youngsters the chance to showcase their acts.

The winning act - an acrobatic dance duo called 'Dynamite' was the best girl dance act I have seen in all my years judging this contest.

Ruth and Olivia, both at Loughborough University studying sport science and both about to attend a performing arts college in Cumbria, displayed amazing skill, creativity, fitness and energy in a really well choreographed, entertaining display.

Runner-up was vocalist Kris Abrahams who, given his facial and vocal similarity to Donny Osmond would make a great tribute artist. How I'd love to have heard him sing Puppy Love!

However he did a good job singing Elton John's 'Your Song'.

Third act to win through to the first semi-final on July 21 was 16-year-old vocalist Amy Jenkins from Bristol.

She opted for powerful numbers like Man's World and I've Got You Under My Skin but maybe she was trying just too hard as she virtually shouted out the words of the Sinatra song.

The audience vote will be decided by phone poll and announced next week.