THE countdown is on to find the most gifted act in Runcorn and Widnes.

Eighteen finalists have been chosen to compete in Halton’s Got Talent 2015 at The Brindley on Saturday, July 18.

Singers and dancers will be vying against musical theatre acts and Muay Thai boxing to win the top prize of £300.

Halton Cllr Marie Wright, board member for health and wellbeing, said: “I was lucky enough to have seen many of the auditions this year and the standard was extremely high.

"The final promises to be a quality show with a great evening of entertainment ahead, the finalists should be very proud.

“It’s just unfortunate there can only be one winner on the night”.

There were 87 individual applicants.

The judges saw 63 acts including musicians, martial arts, karate, gymnastics, dancers, singers and musical theatre.

The competition was open to anyone under 25 who lives, works or studies in Halton.

The finalists are: Ella Busow, Caution (dance group), Charlotte Coddack, Beau Dermott, Emily Dunbar, Ellie-Mae Fillingham, Liberty Fillingham, Kelly Gilbert, Emily Jerram, Beth Lambert, Ella McEvitt, Jessica Mearns, MSA Master Sken Academy, Sophie Powell, Thomas Robertson, Jake Santley, Rossi Walsh-O’Neill and Claudia Wheelhouse.

Tickets priced £7.50 are available online from thebrindley.org.uk and the box office on 0151 907 8360.