SINGERS, songwriters, breakdancers and martial arts experts scooped top prizes at the final of 2010 Talent Oxford.

Hundreds packed the final at Headington Theatre, Headington School on Saturday to watch 17 finalists impress the judges.

They were plucked from 500 contestants to face judges including former X-Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji and JACK FM commercial director Graham Lysaght.

Best vocal act went to Wantage CE Primary School singer Nina Reiber-Hodgson, 11, who performed Eva Cassidy’s Songbird.

She said: “I’m so excited and I still can’t believe I won – it’s a dream come true.”

Best group act was awarded to the Oxford School of Martial Arts Team Taurus, former winners of BBC’s Jump Nation. Its 16 youngsters impressed the judges with a spectacular showcase of martial arts, skipping and dance.

School principal Mary Stevens said: “We are delighted and the kids fully deserve to win because they’ve worked so hard over the last few months and have put their all into it.”

The most original act award was given to musician and songwriter Jamie Felton, 13, who attends The Marlborough School in Woodstock.

He composed his own song, Tonight, for the finals, which he played on electric guitar.

He said: “It’s astonishing to see so much talent here tonight – there’s talent everywhere.”

After a standing ovation from the judges, 10-strong Didcot breakdancing team Break Forward walked away with the best dance act prize – after forming this year.

The aspiring star award was given to Andrew McIntosh, 17, who studies performing arts at Abingdon and Witney College. Andrew, who sang Elton John’s Your Song, said: “I couldn’t have asked for more. This has been one of the best experiences in my life.”

Prizes for the five award winners included £100 cash and two days at a Super Camps park.

Two scholarships were also awarded to rising stars.

Ryan Anderson, 15, from Kidlington, won a one-year scholarship to Stagecoach Theatre Arts School, while Annie Bell, nine, of Headington School, won a one-year scholarship to the Oxford Academy of Performing Arts.

Before the final few were chosen, 70 of the performers released the single Everybody to raise cash for Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Event founder Lydiah Igweh said: “It was a fantastic evening and an emotional night.

“All of the finalists have come a long way, and seeing them develop as bright young stars is very encouraging.

“Talent Oxford 2010 has been a great journey for all involved and we are very excited about its success in 2010.

“We are confident that all of the finalists will go on to do bigger and better things.”

The registration for next year’s contest opens on November 1. For information visit talentoxford.co.uk or call 01865 263184.