COUNCIL colleagues showed their star quality to impersonate singers for charity.

About 300 people went along to the Lakeside Sports and Social Club, in Gilley Law, Sunderland, to see council employees transformed in a Stars in Their Eyes-style contest.

The competition, which was rated on a clapometer, raised more than £1,000 for the NSPCC.

Chris Blake, of Sunderland Housing Group, came out as overall winner for his performance as Adam Ant, and was closely followed by second placed Derwentside District Council worker Marty Donaghy, as Bobby Darren.

Third place went to husband and wife team Kelly and Pete Houghton, who work for Sunderland City Council, and played Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

Organiser David Kay, financial support officer for Sunderland council's education capital team, said: "It was a fantastic night and well worth the two months of planning.

"We raised a lot of money for the NSPCC, which is only one of the charities we support as part of the council's ongoing fundraising efforts."

Contestant Jacqui Stubbs, who portrayed Connie Francis, said: "It was quite an experience for all of us - very nerve-wracking but very enjoyable."