STUDENTS at Huddersfield Technical College have been battling it out in a Pop Idol-style talent contest.

At the Cultures United Centre, 25 students competed for the title of Tech Idol. There were contestants from seven categories - dancing, singing, modelling, DJ-ing, drumming, guitar playing and beatbox (the art of using vocals as percussion).

Fortunately for the competitors, the judges at the CUC - which is part of the St Patrick's Centre in Huddersfield - were nothing like Pop Idol's "Mr Nasty" Simon Cowell. They were college vice-principal Melanie Brooke, music technology tutors Rick Cocker, Sarah Hutton and Tim Malster, youth worker Navid Khawaja and Students' Union representative Nazia Siddique.

The judges scored entrants on star quality, stage presence, technical merit, preparation and suitability of material and originality.

They chose singer Evelyne Matema for first place. Evelyne, who is studying for a BTec national diploma in health studies won £100 and a recording session at the Beaumont Street Studios in Huddersfield.

Dancer Denville Murray, who is on the entry to employment course, came second and joint third place went to beatbox artist Greig Campbell, who is working for a first diploma in construction, and dancer Amna Mirza, who is studying foundation art and design.

Three acts not competing for the prizes provided extra entertainment. The show was opened by New Horizon, a group of mature students on an access course at the college, who presented a singing and drumming routine.

A fashion show was held in the interval, featuring clothes from the Kudos store at Pack Horse Walk, Huddersfield. After the competition, students from a salsa dancing evening class at the college closed the show with a hip-shaking routine.

Nazia Siddique, who organised the event, said: "Everyone who took part performed brilliantly, and made the event into a celebration of the college community.

"I wanted different cultures and races to mix together. This event was something I thought would do that and showcase the college's hottest talents."

The event also formed part of Nazia's studies for a degree in youth and community work at Huddersfield University. She is at the technical college on a work placement.

Ticket sales raised £108 for the Kirkwood Hospice, Dalton.