THE stars of Oxfordshire’s estates were out in force at a community talent contest for those living in housing association homes.

Fifteen acts battled it out in the final of the third Star Catchers talent show in front of 500 people at the Rover Sports and Social Club in Horspath Road on Saturday night.

The top £1,000 prize went to nine-piece street dance troupe Blackout, based at the Messy Jam Dance Studios in Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys.

The youngsters, aged 11 to 13, dazzled judges with energetic dances set to artists including Beyonce and Dizzee Rascal.

Messy Jam owner Ellisha Peart said: “It was amazing, I was so proud of all the children. I am so grateful to all the families and friends who supported us.”

The group has already wowed crowds at the Cowley Road Carnival and even performed for The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire at The Ashmolean Museum of Art & Archaeology.

She said: “They have fun, they get fit and it brings out a lot of confidence.

“Some come in really quiet and are not talkative and it brings them out of their shells completely.”

Singer and dancer Tia Denton, 15, of Union Street, came second and won £250 after performing songs by Jessie J and Cheryl Cole.

The Wheatley Park School pupil said: “It is a really good idea to get everybody involved. It is a nice atmosphere as well.

“It is not too competitive. Everybody is supporting each other and wants everyone to do well.”

Contest founder Vikki Baker, community involvement coordinator at A2Dominion Housing Group, said: “I decided to do it in the first place because of the lack of community cohesion in Blackbird Leys and a feeling of a bit of divide.

“I also wanted to give kids something to do.

“The kids are so inspirational and they have got so much talent.”

More than 100 people entered the contest from A2Dominion Housing Group, Oxford City Housing, Sovereign Vale, Catalyst Housing Group, South Oxfordshire Housing Association and Oxford Citizens’ Housing Association before auditions whittled them down to the final 15.

On the judging panel were Britain’s Got Talent star and Blackbird Leys resident Fabia Cerra, Debbie Ruth, principal director at Witney’s Abdabs Youth Theatre, actor and dance teacher Chris North, event manager Vicki Price and Talent Oxford talent show founder Lydiah Igweh.