DROITWICH Spa's music festival was put well and truly on the map when the the Pop Icons finale wrapped up the successful two-week event.

More than 700 people attended last Saturday's spectacular gala show - which was inspired by the popular ITV Pop Idol programme. It was held in the regent suite at the Chateau Impney, in Worcester Road.

Twenty-two acts chosen from the high school and the middle schools took part in the magical end to the town's festival, which has become a firm fixture in the Spa calendar, since its launch last year.

Five acts were finally chosen as winners of each category. Part of the ethos of the festival is to encourage Spa youngsters to develop their musical skills.

Richard Brighton, chairman of the music festival committee, said: "It was a fabulous show. We were very pleased with the turnout. The venue was perfect and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. It was a great end to a very successful festival."

Mayor Richard Morris attended the event. He said: "This really was a fitting way to end the music festival. I was privileged to be asked to hand out the awards, but really, they were all winners: performing so brilliantly with such confidence on stage in front of such a large audience.

"The organisers and support team are also to be congratulated on staging such a great show."

The event was sponsored by Robert Wiseman Dairies, Wychavon District Council and Yamaha Music School (Droitwich Spa).