CIRENCESTER businessmen lost out at Gloucestershire's Star Talent Show to the dance troupe winners from Colour Connection.

Ten acts from across the county took to the stage at Cheltenham Town Hall, letting their talents shine in aid of the National Star College.

According to Nikki Budding, the team from Colour Connection in Tuffley had been learning their winning street dance routine since September.

“We practiced in our production room among the machines and pallets of paper and in the office car park”, said Nikki. “We had an amazing time at Gloucestershire’s Star Talent.

“We were the last act on and it was nerve racking watching all the other acts on screen from backstage, they were so good.

“I had to keep telling myself they were saving the best ‘til last to stop the nerves. We couldn’t believe it when we won.”

Mentored by entertainers, including Cirencester magician Alex Robertson, many of the contestants learned new skills for the show.

Cirencester tailor Tom Wharton, founder of Barrington Ayre, learnt to juggle knives, Cheltenham dance school owner, Corraine Collins, performed magic while Miles Guerrini, owner of nursery schools in Minchinhampton and Cirencester became a clown for the night.

Mentor Tom Goodall and Helen Howe, co-owner of Cheltenham’s Lumiere, performed the iconic dirty dancing routine as Over Farm’s Matt Keene let out his comedic alter ego Gunther Farmer.

Businesswomen Kathryn Green, from TTC Global Group, and TSB’s Carolyn Stone combined for a tap dancing routing with a rap and Verity Smith, from Veritas PPM Ltd, shared her passion for singing.

Jonathan Walton, from GE Aviation sang a self-penned song dedicated to National Star students and the charity even persuaded its head of corporate services, David Crompton, to take part, singing a duet from Phantom of the Opera with his wife Carolyn.

The acts were scored by a panel of judges which included sports broadcaster Jill Douglas, designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Tweedy the Clown from Giffords Circus and National Star patron The Countess Bathurst.

A spokesperson from National Star said: “We were delighted with the success of Gloucestershire’s Star Talent.

“So many people gave their time to help bring the show together, including all the participants who spent many weeks training for their act as well as fundraising.

“The support from the audience on the night was amazing. It’s so important for National Star as every donation makes a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities.”

The event raised more than £28,000 to help support young people with complex disabilities and acquired brain injuries.