From opera and rock singers to comedy double acts and a euphonium soloist, Bradford’s older people showed the wealth of talent in the district at the hotly contested Op Idol.

Talented artists from across the district battled it out in front of a packed Bingley Arts Centre yesterday to be crowned Bradford Op Idol.

The competition, held as part of the Bradford district Older People’s Week, saw a range of acts perform in front of a panel of judges, including the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Naveeda Ikram.

Opera singer Jenny Oetgen, 60, of Burley-in-Wharfedale won the competition following an impressive performance.

Mrs Oetgen, a nursing home manager, told the Telegraph & Argus: “It’s been utterly fantastic.

“I must admit I wasn’t without nerves this morning, but what a lot of talent in the group of people, and the audience were so warm.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea – the over-60s don’t usually get a look in, but it was just amazing.”

The Thornton Church Singers got the contest going as its members performed a selection of songs from the musical Joseph, before Kathleen Clegg, of Great Horton, got up to perform a number of classic songs.

After her performance, the 81-year-old told the Telegraph & Argus: “It’s just a feeling of togetherness, because everybody has been absolutely great.

“It brings people together – it’s what’s needed.”

Comedy duo Cissie and Ada, performed by Martin and Gary Holmes, scooped second place, while third place went to euphonium player Ian Gill.

Other performers included John Robson, who played guitar and sang, Bollywood and traditional music from the Anand Millan Centre, singing from Geoff Kirk and rock ‘n’ roll songs from guitarist and singer Jack Ratcliffe.

There was also a special performance by epilepsy sufferer Pauline Wood, 67, who performed Those Were The Days unaccompanied.

Councillor Ikram said: “It’s been such a fantastic afternoon – the whole idea for Op Idol has been a breath of fresh air.

“Each and every performance was so special – none of them were the same. It was entertaining and different, and it shows older people have talent.”

The event was organised by Bradford Council with a range of partners including Bradford and District Older People’s Alliance, Seniors Show The Way, Keighley Elderly Initiatives Group, Age Concern Bradford and District and Bradford and District Senior Power.