AN X FACTOR contestant brought star appeal to a celebration of talented young people in care.

Diana Vickers, who finished fourth in the ITV talent show in 2009, was the guest of honour at the Celebrating Children event in Barton, Oxford, on Saturday night.

About 25 young people living in care sang, rapped, beatboxed and danced in front of their families at Bayards Hill School.

Miss Vickers, who was warmly welcomed by the teenagers, was on hand to dish out certificates and advice to the young hopefuls.

X Factor fan Bobby Davenport, 19, from Blackbird Leys, performed Rihanna’s Unfaithful and Missy Elliott’s Lose Control.

She said: “I’ve been in care for a number of years and this event just gives me a chance to express myself. I’m known for being loud and gobby and this means I can put it to good use!

“I love this event and we need all the support we can get.”

Chelsi Byles, 19, from Greater Leys, performed her own material and said of the event: “I’ve done it every year since I was 12 and it means a lot to me.

“Today is the anniversary of my mum’s death so it’s a big day for me.

“It’s a chance for children and young people from care to get together and share experiences. We might be different in some ways but we’re just as good at performing and have just as much fun as anyone else.”

Keshan Masih, 15, performed Beyonce’s Love on Top. She said: “It’s my first time doing it and I think it’s a way for everyone as a community to celebrate who we are.

“We can show everyone that even if we are in care, we are still special.”

Compere and beatboxer Callum Crichton, 17, from Kennington, said: “It’s nice for everyone to get together and show off their talents.

“There’s a lot of hidden talent out there.”

Miss Vickers said: “I’m here because I got asked to come down and be a part of this great event with these talented people. It was an offer I couldn’t turn down and everyone’s really enjoying it.

“It’s been a really warm welcome here.”

She added: “I’ve done a gig in Oxford before but didn’t get a chance to look around so today I’ve been out for lunch and been around the city.

“It’s a really beautiful place.”

Fran Fonseca, the county council’s corporate parenting manager, said: “This event is designed to be our very own Grammys, celebrating the achievements of young people in care across Oxfordshire.