TALENTED young singer songwriter Dave Dove won a top prize at the Northwich Festival.

Dave, aged 28, from Leek Road, Congleton, was one of six finalists in a new Pop Idol-style competition.

The Song From the Heart of Cheshire contest was organised by the Witton Chimes pub in Northwich and was held over eight weeks.

Dave was singled out by judges for his "angelic" voice and clever lyrics.

He won an acoustic guitar and time in a recording studio to produce a professional demo from Cheshire Sound Production.

Dave, pictured left, works as an administrative assistant for the Britannia Building Society in Leek.

He began playing the guitar aged 12, has been performing for three years and recorded his own albums.

Congleton also claimed the runners-up spot, with Andrew Stubbs. of Lawton Street, winning recording time at Mid Cheshire College at Northwich.

Andrew, also aged 28, is a classroom assistant at Eaton Bank School, Congleton.

The other finalists came from Northwich, Davenham and Stoke-on-Trent.

Andrew's musical influences include retro 60s music and rockabilly, and he also enjoys Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Eddie Cochran.