Alison Challinor, aged 47, from Silverdale, said: "The competition has been really good this year. Some of the acts have been superb."

Irene Holmes, aged 73, from Hanley, said: "One of our grandchildren is in the Mad Dogs dance group so we have come to support them. It's been a great show."

Husband Len, aged 71, said: "I would have paid to come and watch this even if I didn't know somebody in it. It has been a really great day full of good entertainment."

Alan Cliffe, aged 57, from Newcastle, said: "I've been surprised by how good the people in the competition have been. There's a lot of talent out there by the looks of it."