We’ve got the Oldham factor!

STAR turns . . . Spotlight (from left) Nicole Harris, Georgia Malone, Heidi Crossland, Gray and Hollie McNair and China Griffiths

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THEY may not have been judged by Simon Cowell and co but competition was fierce as scores of youngsters battled itout to see who had the Oldham factor.

The “O-Factor” contest, which was organised by the council’s Music Service, was held at Our Lady’s RC High School in Royton.

Judges Howard Lees, Jon Frankell and Jonathan Lewis had some tough decisions to make as the lively audience whooped and cheered for their favourite acts in true “X-Factor” style.

After 10 fantastic performances the winners were announced in the primary and secondary school categories.

Primary school winners were Spotlight — a girl group from Mather Street Primary who performed a choreographed version of “I Want it All” from “High School Musical”.

The secondary school title went to Camille Chappell and Danny Beattie from North Chadderton School who blew the judges away with their rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Change Gonna Come”.

The winners received a trophy and a cash prize as well as gift vouchers for Forsyth’s of Manchester and Keys of Oldham, who were two of the event sponsors.

The vouchers went to the schools’ music departments while the performers kept their cash prizes.

Oldham Council’s cabinet member for children, young people and families Councillor Kay Knox said: “This was an exciting initiative and I am really proud of what the youngsters achieved.”