PENSIONER Walter Nutter went along to watch an over-60s talent contest -- and ended up winning the first prize!

Walter, of St George's Road, Nelson, had gone along with friends to Colne Municipal Hall for an afternoon of entertainment but when someone suggested he should have a go, Walter put in a last minute entry form.

The Barnoldswick Gilbert and Sullivan member walked away with a silver trophy in the Burnley and Pendle round of the Yours Silver Stars Talent Contest and will now go on to compete in the North West final in Southport on June 6.

Seventeen people in their 60s, 70s and 80s took part in the competition, performing a variety of acts including country and western singing, comedy sketches and speeches in Lancashire dialect.

Event co-ordinator Michelle Barlow said: "It was a really entertaining afternoon and there were some really first class quality acts because a lot of these people have sung semi-professionally at one time.

"Walter was the last one on stage and only decided he was going to take part shortly before it began. He was very confident but it was nice the way he won because he wasn't expecting it.

"I think he will do well in the next round because he is very good and as soon as he walked on stage he looked like a professional."

If Walter makes it through the North West final he will go on to the grand final in July where he will perform in front of an audience of around 2,000 people.