PERFORMERS from around the Forest and Wye Valley gathered at Bells Hotel and Golf Course to take part in a talent showcase designed to promote local acts.

To an appreciative audience, the first band to perform was established four man covers outfit Animal Shakers, who delivered a confident performance of standards.

They were followed by Suburbia, a five piece band, centred on the vocals of Keren, who led the group through a widely varied programme of songs.

A complete change of pace, and volume, followed when the floor was taken by storyteller Tim O' The Oak, from Lydbrook, who also played a strange musical instrument, the mysterious hang drum.

Next to grace the floor was Jess Barton, a slender young singer with a huge voice.

Next came Paul Carpenter, known as 'the voice of Frank Sinatra', who has been performing the songs of ol' blue eyes for over a decade.

Finally, Steve Yeo and Sasha sang from a classical and stage musical repertoire.

Gareth Noble, of Bells Hotel, said: "We set up the showcase to promote new and established acts, by presenting them directly to proprieters of clubs and pubs in the local area.

The organisers plan to run the talent showcase on the first Sunday of each month.

Interested performers can contact the organisers on 01594 839365 (Gareth) or 0743 254 8032 (Robbie).

Additional reporting by Lewis Perks.