HUNDREDS of shoppers supported a talent competition organised to launch the start of an entertainment facility yesterday.

The Cornmill Shopping Centre, in Darlington, held the event to mark the unveiling of its performance area on the lower floor.

More than 500 entry forms were sent out and 100 tapes were returned by acts from around the Darlington area hoping to take part.

Twenty acts were chosen to perform in front of a panel of judges, including the centre's deputy manager, Susan Young, and town centre manager Louise Payne.

After almost four hours of music and dance, Matt Hilton, 22, who sang Roy Orbison's classic hit Pretty Woman, was named the winner.

Miss Young said: "He was a really good entertainer and he had the crowd going, and clapping and singing along.

"The support from the shoppers in the centre was brilliant. I was just so pleased with that."

Matt won vouchers worth £300 to spend in the centre, while the other four finalists won £100-worth of vouchers, as well as a gift of either a make-over or a grooming kit from the Body Shop.