APPLAUSE and cheers greeted the second of an Oxford school’s versions of television show Britain’s Got Talent.

Twenty-nine acts showcased their entertainment skills for New Marston’s Got Talent, in a quickfire talent show from pupils and teachers at New Marston Primary School on Friday, with just 30 seconds each to impress a panel of judges.

Headteacher Zara d’Archambaud said: “They have been rehearsing madly in the playground at school all week.

“I’m really proud of the children, they’ve got enormous talents and I think they’re all winners.

“I think they have upped the stakes of the standard of their talents since last year.”

The acts on display included dance, comedy, karate, hula-hooping and ballet.

School governor Mark Lygo, teaching assistant Eleni Riga and crossing patrol supervisor and school cook Dereck Surrage judged the youngsters.

Speaking to winner Sarah Bennett, after the 10-year-old had sung Sweet About Me, Mr Surrage said: “If I was Simon Cowell, I would snap you up tomorrow.”

Some of the biggest cheers were reserved for the youngest people taking part – and for Year Five teacher Russell Wood, who dressed as Super Mario and performed the popular game’s theme tune on his guitar.

Kira Swatton, nine, performed a karate sequence.

She said: “It was good. I thought everyone else was really good too.”

Eleven-year-old Marcia Davies sang a duet with teaching assistant Phephile Mzizi.

Marcia said: “It went really well although 30 seconds was shorter than I expected. I think it’s a really good idea and I enjoyed it.”

Sitting in the audience was winner Sarah Bennett’s proud mother, Elaine.

She said: “I’m shocked that she won, I thought they were all really good.

“I think it’s really good for the school because it gets all the children together so anybody can come up and have a go – and it raises some money for school funds too.”

After the judging – which saw runner-up places go to Fiona Slator, who performed with a hula hoop, and partially-sighted Josie Jackson, who signed and sang a poem she wrote herself – Sarah performed her song again.

She was joined on stage by most of the youngsters who took part.

Ms d’Archambaud said: “This was a real opportunity for the children to show their hidden talents and non-academic achievements that are not normally recognised and celebrated.”

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk