YOUNGSTERS hit all the right notes and "wowed" judges during a talent contest.

A total of 35 pupils from Ysgol Tir Morfa, aged between eight and 18, took to the stage at Rhyl High School and impressed audiences with a variety of singing and dancing performances. The event featured Russian dancing, cheerleading and song and dance routines from The Greatest Showman and Frozen.

Teachers from the community special school also got in on the act - headteacher Rhona O’Neill and deputy head Phil Thomas rapped to Silentó’s Watch Me Whip Watch Me Nae Nae.

Sitting on the panel of judges were cllr Win Mullen-James, Rhyl mayor; cllr Alan James; consort Catherine Patterson and Trefor Lloyd Roberts, director of Theatre in the Community (TiC). All participants received a medal for their efforts.

Jenni Griffin, chair of Tir Morfa’s PTA (parent teacher association), said: "I don’t think the event could have gone any better.

“The judges were blown away by the performances. Some people don’t realise that special needs children have amazing talents, simply because they don’t show it and it’s often not obvious.

“This show allowed them to showcase the things they love doing but don’t get to do normally. They got to perform in front of their friends and family and show them what makes them smile.

“There were many proud parents in the crowd and we can’t wait to run it again next year.”

The contest was supported by Civil Engineering Specialists Jones Bros. Jacob Jones, DJ-JT Entertainment Services, from Welsh choir Only Boys Aloud, did the lighting and sound.

About £120 was raised on the night through coffee and cake sales. All proceeds will go towards a fundraiser for a hydrotherapy pool.

Ruth James, director at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, said: “We know how hard Jenni and the rest of the PTA at Tir Morfa work to raise funds for essential equipment for the school to enable the pupils to have the best opportunities.

“The talent contest is a fantastic way for the pupils to grow in confidence while showcasing their abilities to a wider audience."