A Great Dunmow stage group danced up a storm and sung themselves to success at a national competition held at the Indigo O2 in London.

Scene II wowed judges at the Jack Petchey Foundation Glee Club Challenge Champions 2013, on Sunday.

The group put on two performances – Thoroughly Modern Millie and When You’re an Adams – to impress the three judges, including John Partridge, best known as Christian in soap EastEnders, and chat-show host Graham Norton to be named runners up.

Norton described the performances as “brilliant”, adding: “The combination of excellence and talent touched us and all the groups made a connection.

“I love this event, it really moved and inspired and there were lots of worthy winners.”

Scene II Theatre Group and Performing Arts Academy, based at the Arts Centre in Dunmow, was established in 2005 by founder and principal Mikki Rom and her mother, Jacky Rom.

This was the first time the group had entered the competition – now in its third year – and only 30 acts from those who submitted audition tapes made it through to the regional finals.

They then competed against nine others in the overall finals and were handed a cheque for £1,250 for coming second.

Mikki said: “I am elated, especially as this is our first time in the competition. It’s been an overwhelming journey for all of us and our performers have grown through the process.

“Boot camp made a real difference to what they could achieve and they worked hard. Our Scene II kids have made an impact and this is their biggest audience. We are all thrilled.”