THE final of a popular Worcester singing competition has been hailed as a shimmering success.

The Oscar-themed grand finale of Text Factor took place at Sin bar, in New Street, Worcester city centre, earlier this month and saw former X Factor finalist Chico help with judging and perform live.

Winner Rue Smith, from Bristol, walked away with £2,000, while Worcester singer Carla Manganiello came second and went home with £1,000.

Contest organiser Paul Todd is already anticipating next year's event.

"I'm very much looking forward to it. This year was brilliant once again.

"As it was based on the Oscars each contestant sang a film theme and song of their choice.

"Chico did an amazing job. He whipped the crowd up and had them dancing on the stage by the end."

Last year another X Factor contestant, Ben Mills, visited the city as a guest judge and Charlotte Holland - who recently took part in BBC's I'd Do Anything show with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber - came first.

The contest, like its ITV namesake, sees a panel of judges comment on weekly performances and choose their favourite singers.

The twist is that members of the public vote for the eventual winners via text message.