AN AMATEUR singer has been crowned the south east’s most talented entertainer aged over 60.

Frank Peters, 67, of The Avenue, Gravesend, scooped top prize in the area final of the YOURS Silver Stars Talent Contest.

Mr Peters was one of 11 budding silver superstars appearing at the Beck Theatre in Hayes – and he said age is no barrier when it comes to showbiz talent.

Mr Peters, whose stage outfit included a crash helmet and pink neon socks, described his act as a comedy song and dance routine.

It was the first time he had entered the contest and he said he was there to “give it a go”.

He has previously performed in holiday camps and has also appeared on Michael Barrymore’s television show, My Kind of People.

The pensioner said: “I can’t believe I have won and can’t stop shaking. I am over the moon!” He will now perform in front of a 2,000-strong audience at the grand UK final on July 30 at the Southport Theatre. The winner will be crowned YOURS Silver Star 2003 and receive £1,000 cash prize money. Three runners up will receive trophies and cash.

The contest, which has more than 100 heats throughout the UK, is supported by Age Concern and sponsored by pensioners’ magazine YOURS.

Organiser Bob Brierley said: “It gives many older people their first opportunity to perform before a live audience and fulfil a lifelong dream.” Rosie Sandall, of YOURS, said: “Silver Stars is a fabulous celebration of mature talent. It demonstrates through example there are thousands of people who are never too old to realise their dreams of stardom.”