A Keighley grandfather has been crowned the north's most talented silver entertainer.

Michael Loftus, 63 (pictured), scooped top prize in the northern area final of the YOURS Silver Stars talent contest. He was among a dozen budding amateur superstars from the 60-plus age range who took part in the event at the City Varieties, Leeds.

Michael, who also celebrated that day with the birth of his first grandchild, won over the audience and judges with his performance of "Till" and "Time to Say Goodbye".

Afterwards, Michael said he felt "flabbergasted" at taking first place.

He said: "I never expected to get this far, and it's wonderful to have the support of so many people."

Sponsored by YOURS magazine, Silver Stars is billed as Britain's biggest amateur talent contest for the over 60s.

The annual competition, with more than 100 heats throughout the UK, is being supported nationally by Age Concern for the second year running.

Since March, a silver army of singers, dancers, comedians and speciality acts have trodden the boards at local heats in a bid for national stardom.

Michael and fellow regional winners will now perform in front of a 2,000-strong audience at the UK grand final in Southport next month.

The overall winner will receive a trophy and £1,000 cash award, and there will be prizes for three runners-up.