YOUNG performers showed off their talents at the Mrs Sunderland Music Festival.

Pianists of all ages hit the right notes while young verse speakers impressed at Huddersfield Town Hall yesterday.

The contest, now in its 119th year, attracts fierce competition from across the country.

But local performers proved home-grown talent is on par with the best.

Playing at number 13 proved lucky for first time entrant Mollie Davidson, aged seven, from Clayton West, who won the Piano Solo for School Year 3 and Under class.

She was following in mum’s footsteps, for her mother, Melanie, won the same class in 1985 – also as number 13 and playing the same piece, Felix Swinstead’s A Little Story with the same sheet music!

Mrs Davidson said: “Short of putting the same outfit on it was like watching a replay. It was almost like going back in time and seeing your life again.

“Thirteen has always been a lucky number for me. I passed my driving test on Friday the 13th and at lots of music festivals, when I’ve been number 13, I’ve done quite well.

“Mollie played really well and I’m so pleased with her.”

Piano adjudicator John Gough said: “I’m always impressed by the confidence.

“The youngsters come on to a huge town hall stage and playing a magnificent concert grand piano and are seemingly unfazed by it.”

Mr Gough, an examiner for Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music, added: “Mollie played with tremendous poise. I just wanted to sit and listen and not write.

“It’s one of those qualities that’s difficult to put into words. For such a young age that’s unusual.”

Also flying the Huddersfield flag was James Malone, from Birkby, who won the Piano Solo, Sonatina, School Year 7 and Under class.

Mum Teresa said: “I’m absolutely delighted and very proud and he’s thrilled to have won.”

Impressing the verse speaking judge was young Harvey Shaw, who won the class for Prepared Reading for School Years 7 and Under.

Verse speaking adjudicator Philip Thrupp was particularly impressed by original poems to be performed today..

Mr Thrupp, an international drama and voice coach, said: “I’ve been very impressed with all the original compositions.

“But in particular the sonnet class is the finest original verse class that I have ever judged. I was unbelievably impressed by the quality.”

And on Sunday, Jenny Stafford, of Huddersfield, won the Junior Vocal Recital for 16 to 20-year-olds.