Last updated at 10:28, Tuesday, 13 October 2009

A HOST of entertainers and musicians were paired up with local celebrities for a Strictly Come Dancing meets The X Factor- style competition. Duos took to the stage at The Nines, Barrow, last night to raise money for St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston.
NICOLA PARK reports on the event while contestant MOLLY LYNCH, who represented the Evening Mail, shares her experience

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THE stars were out in Barrow last night for a charity talent show.

St Mary’s Hospice fundraiser Voices for Hospices teamed nine local celebrities with entertainment professionals in a singing showdown held at The Nines in Dalkeith Street.

Rob Cairns, chief executive of Furness Building Society, and Pete Thompson opened the competition with a rendition of Wild Thing – losing their shirts for the final verse. Barrow AFC commercial manager Martin Lewis surprised the crowd with his duet of Let Me Entertain You with singer Kev T.

Peter Murphy duetted with retired Barrow Raiders star Darren Holt in an electrifying version of Sex on Fire and another Raiders player, Ned Catic, accompanied singer Lindsey with his acoustic guitar for Pink’s Who Knew?

John Griffith of Cumbria Fire and Rescue set the stage alight with Dennis Hulme and their
performance of Ring of Fire.

Theatre Bar landlord Mike Fallon, a seasoned pub singer, and his partner Lisa Hart wowed the crowd with My Girl and hospice press officer Zoe Guest and Steve Silver teamed up to sing Something Stupid.
Westmorland Gazette reporter Daniel Orr surprised the crowd with a professional version of Let It Be with Leah Simone.

Evening Mail reporter Molly Lynch and Denis Horan got the audience on their feet for an
all-singing, all-dancing Grease medley.

Each pair took to the stage in the first heat before it was whittled down to four duos for the second and final round.

In the final Mr Murphy and Mr Holt stole the show with their version of Sweet Caroline.

Accepting first prize, Mr Holt said: “We’re all here for a good cause – thanks to the hospice for organising tonight.

“It’s been good fun, all the acts were superb.”

St Mary’s Hospice director Alan Lodge said the charity, based in Ulverston, was hoping to raise around £2,000 at last night’s event.

First published at 08:32, Friday, 09 October 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk