FORGET Simon, Louis, Cheryl and Dannii choosing their final 12 at the weekend, the real talent had already been on stage – for the final of the D Factor.

The inaugural Dunmow-wide talent competition proved to be a major hit as over 220 people packed into Foakes Hall on Friday night to see singer Amber Ewing pip a host of other acts to the title.

Singing a classic Whitney Houston number Amber, from Ongar Road, got the judges’ nod ahead of second-placed artist Bill Wellington and third-placed band After Hours.

By winning the competition she secured a �25 prize, a bouquet of flowers and most importantly the D Factor trophy – the first one ever given.

Organiser Peter Toms enlisted the help of four judges for the X factor-style face off and was delighted that the night raised over �1000 for Uttlesford Community Travel.

“The show was even better than we ever expected,” he said. “We had 13 talented performers aged from 9 to 81 years old and the whole evening was a fantastic event for everyone that came along.

“It was also a great fund raising event for Uttlesford Community travel.”

The judges played a major part during the evening by giving their comments on each performance and then finally picking the winner with the help of the audience.

They were Oliver Rogers from BBC Essex, Rev David Ainge from St Mary’s Church, Jacky Rom from the Arts Centre and last but not least town Mayor Wendy Barron.

She said: “I had the honour of sharing the judging for the D Factor which involved fantastically talented local acts performing before a full house.

“The judges and audience all agreed on the final winner but congratulations must go to each and every contestant. Dunmow certainly has got talent!”

The final 13 had been whittled down from a host of applications and nominations that came in since the event was launched at the beginning of summer.

Many of them featured singers, dancers, and bands, but there were also many more unusual acts including fire breathers and break-dancers.

DOES Dunmow have talent? Tell us what you think – e-mail us at editor@dunmow-broadcast.co.uk.